MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang on Tuesday said it mourned the death of Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Representative Crispin Beltran, paying tribute to him as a ?vital figure? in Philippine labor.

"We mourn the untimely demise of one of the most respected labor leaders in the country, Representative Crispin Beltran," deputy Palace spokesman Anthony Golez said in a statement.

Golez said Beltran was a respected member of the House of Representatives, where he represented the interests of the working force.

Beltran died earlier Tuesday after he fell as he was fixing the roof of his home.