The House of Representatives led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has mourned the passing of veteran legislator and noted lawyer, Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, Jr of Dasmariñas City, Cavite.
Romualdez expressed his condolences to the loved ones and constituents of Barzaga who passed away in California on Saturday (Philippine time). He was 74.
“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,” Romualdez said in a statement late Saturday.
Romualdez said he and his colleagues would remember Barzaga, whom many had called, “Cong. Pidi” as the person they could turn to for legal advice and for understanding the maze of numbers in the national budget, the Dasmariñas City lawmaker being a CPA- lawyer.
“I myself consulted him 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,” the Speaker said.
“Our prayers and thoughts go to Cong. Pidi’s family, especially his wife Mayor Jenny Barzaga, his sons and his constituents,” Romualdez added.
Barzaga, who held several powerful committee chairmanships in the House, is survived by his wife, Dasmariñas City Mayor Jenny Austria-Barzaga, as well as his sons BM Kiko, Third, and Enzo.
“His dedication to education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation transformed lives and shaped the future of his constituents. He will be remembered for his compassion and relentless pursuit of justice,” Mayor Barzaga said in a statement to reporters covering the House of Representatives.
“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,” she added.