MANILA — Cavite Congressman Elpidio Barzaga Jr. has passed away, as confirmed by his office.
He died on Saturday afternoon (Manila Time) in San Francisco, California, at the age of 74. The cause of his death was not specified.
Barzaga served as the first representative of Cavite’s 4th district, which encompasses the City of Dasmariñas, from 2007 until 2016. He later assumed the position of mayor of Dasmariñas from 2016 to 2019 before returning to Congress in 2019.
Described by his office as a dedicated advocate for education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, Barzaga’s efforts left a lasting impact on his constituents. He will be remembered for his compassion and unwavering commitment to justice.
Born on March 25, 1950, Barzaga obtained his bachelor of law degree from Far Eastern University. Throughout his tenure, he chaired various committees, including the Committee on Natural Resources, and served as vice chairman of several others, including the Committees on Cooperatives Development, Games and Amusements, Legislative Franchises, and Suffrage and Electoral Reforms.
Barzaga gained notable attention during the ABS-CBN franchise renewal controversy in 2020, where he, as the vice chairman of the Committee on Legislative Franchises, scrutinized the media giant’s potential violations, particularly its constitutional limit on foreign ownership.
He is survived by his wife, Dasmariñas City Mayor Jennifer Barzaga, and his sons, Cavite Board Member Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga, Elpidio “Third” Barzaga 3rd, and Enzo Barzaga.
(el Amigo/MNM)