THE House of Representatives is mourning the passing of Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., chair of the committee on natural resources, a legal luminary who is widely-known as the “Father of Dasmariñas City.”
“We are deeply saddened by Cong Pidi’s passing. The House of Representatives has just lost a great legal thinker and a smart number-cruncher,” Speaker Martin Romualdez said in a statement.
Romualdez said he and his colleagues remember Barzaga as the person they always turned to for legal advice and for understanding the “maze of numbers” in the national budget since the late lawmaker is a CPA lawyer by profession.
“I myself consulted him (Barzaga) on a number of legal issues. He was always lending a helping hand. We will also remember him as an indefatigable lawmaker who made it a point to attend sessions and participate actively in committee hearings with extensive preparations,” he said. “Our prayers and thoughts go to Cong. Pidi’s family, especially his wife, (Dasmariñas City) Mayor Jenny Barzaga, his sons and his constituents.”
Barzaga passed away last Saturday afternoon in California, months after undergoing heart bypass surgery there. He was 74.
The death of the senior lawmaker, also called “Boy” by family and friends, was announced by his family on Facebook.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cavite 4th District Representative Elpidio ‘Pidi’ F. Barzaga Jr., in California, USA, Saturday afternoon (Philippine Time). He was 74. Throughout his life, Cong. Pidi dedicated himself to serving the people of the Province of Cavite and the City of Dasmariñas with unwavering commitment and passion,” the Barzaga family said.
They cited the senior lawmaker’s dedication to education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, saying it “transformed lives and shaped the future of his constituents. He will be remembered for his compassion and relentless pursuit of justice.
“As we mourn his loss, we find solace in the countless lives he touched and the enduring impact of his work. We humbly ask for your prayers and support during this difficult time,” they said.
The late congressman was hailed in his district for establishing the Pagamutan ng Dasma, a hospital with state-of-the-art facilities that offered free healthcare on top of the free burial services being offered by the city government.
Biñan City Rep. Marlyn Alote, chair of the House committee on ecology, said Barzaga was always there to take up the cudgels for victims whenever a tragic maritime tragedy happened.
“He knew maritime safety, disaster preparedness, and environmental issues well. He, therefore, supported the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. He was a principal sponsor of the proposed PENCAS Act (Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System) on accounting for the value of natural resources. When these bills become laws, I hope Congressman Barzaga will be remembered,” she said.
