House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The House of Representatives will be in mourning when it resumes plenary sessions on Monday, April 29 following its five-week summer break. 

This, after one of its most beloved and respected members, Cavite 4th district Rep. Elpidio "Pidi" Barzaga Jr., passed away on Saturday, April 27. 

A former National Unity Party (NUP) president, Barzaga flew to the United States (US) last October to undergo heart surgery. He was 74. 

A full slate of public hearings has already been penciled for Monday morning. Scheduled to hold hearings on various bills and other matters are the Committees on Public Order and Safety, on Agriculture and Food, on Basic Education and Culture, on Higher and Technical Education, and on Trade and Industry. 

But Monday's proceedings, particularly the eventual plenary session at 3 p.m., is expected to have a somber tone as the congressmen process losing one of their most brilliant minds in Barzaga. 

In 2023, the Dasmariñas lawmaker actively participated in public hearings on the proposed economic Charter change (Cha-cha) as well as the investigation on overpriced onions and agricultural smuggling in general. 

Despite the pedestal that his colleagues have placed him on, Barzaga--a lawyer and certified public accountant--was still very approachable to everyone in the House of Representatives. 

No less than House Speaker Martin Romualdez described the late Barzaga as a "great legal thinker", one whom he would personally seek for advice. 

"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,” Romualdez said Saturday a few hours after the veteran solon's passing was announced. 

Barzaga's work ethic also left a mark with the House minoroty bloc. 

"Nais kong iparating ang aking taos-pusong pakikiramay sa pamilya, mga kaibigan, at mga tagasuporta ng isang kagalang-galang na kasamahan sa Kongreso na si Cong. Pidi Barzaga. Ang kanyang dedikasyon at serbisyo sa bayan ay mananatiling alaala ng kanyang pagpanaw," wrote House Minority Leader 4Ps Party-list Rep. Nonoy Libanan. 

(I want to send my sincere condolences to the family, friends, and supporters of a very respectable colleague in Congress, Cong. Pidi Barzaga. His dedication and service to the nation will serve as memories from his passing.) 

Several other House members have expressed their grief over Barzaga's passing. 

CLICK HERE: 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/4/28/revilla-brothers-pay-tribute-to-idol-teacher-barzaga
 

"Manong Pidi is so amiable in person that he has friends across all political parties and persuasions. His constituents gained from Manong Pidi's abundant social skills and personality," said Quezon 3rd district Rep. Reynan Arrogancia.

Romualdez had earlier bared that the House will shift its focus to strengthening national security and enhancing economic development upon the resumption of sessions. 

“As we embark on another session this April 29th, our legislative focus sharpens on the dual imperatives of national security and robust development. Recognizing that peace is the cornerstone of prosperity, we aim to enact laws that fortify our national defense and enhance our international security posture,” said the Leyte 1st district congressman. 

The return of plenary sessions Monday also marks the tail end of the second regular session of the current 19th Congress. The sine die adjournment will take place on May 24. 

The third and final regular session of the 19th Congress will begin on July 22, when President Marcos delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA).