Cavite congressman Barzaga dies at 74

MANILA, Philippines — A key official of the House of Representatives, administration lawmaker Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. of Cavite province’s fourth district, succumbed to complications six months after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was 74.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cavite Rep. Barzaga, in California… Saturday afternoon (Philippine time). He was 74,” the notice on the legislator’s official Facebook page read.

“Throughout his life, Congressman Pidi dedicated himself to serving the people of the Province of Cavite and the City of Dasmariñas with unwavering commitment and passion,” it stated further. Barzaga went to the US in November 2023 for heart surgery.

Barzaga or “Cong Pidi” as he is fondly called by family, colleagues and close friends, is survived by his wife Dasmariñas Mayor Jenny Barzaga and his sons Francisco, Elpidio III and Lorenzo.

“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,” the Barzaga family stated.

Barzaga, chairman of the House committee on environment and natural resources, was a long-time president of the National Unity Party (NUP).

He is the third congressman who died in the current 19th Congress, after Palawan congressmen Edward Hagedorn and Edgardo Salvame. Hagedorn died at the age of 76 in October 2023, while Salvame died at the age of 61 last March 13.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said the chamber “lost a great legal thinker and a smart number-cruncher.” Barzaga was an account-lawyer by profession.

Biñan, Laguna Rep. Marlyn Alonte said Barazaga championed maritime safety and the environment.

Reynan Arrogancia of Quezon province’s third district described Barzaga as a “political realist who listened well to his constituents.”

He said Barzaga was “one of the few local candidates” who supported the failed presidential bid of then Vice President Leni Robredo in 2022. Barzaga’s NUP endorsed the bid of President Marcos.

“All politics is local indeed. His victory in May 2022 proved he was right to heed the voters of Dasmariñas, Cavite. Manong Pidi is so amiable in person that he has friends across all political parties and persuasions. His constituents gained from his abundant social skills and personality,” Arrogancia said.