INSPIRED by Speaker Martin G. Romualdez’s P5 million reward, Cavite Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga, Jr. on Monday donated a P100,00 seed money and asked his colleagues to voluntarily contribute to help the heirs of the late veteran broadcaster Percival Mabasa, known in the media industry as Percy Lapid.

In his House Resolution (HR) No. 508, Barzaga said his initiative on the voluntary contribution of any amount by his colleagues will help the loved ones of Mabasa cope financially following the latter’s death.

“This representation, taking into consideration the plight of the family members of slain journalists like Mabasa, believes that we must also provide financial assistance to the heirs of the deceased commentator,” Barzaga, a veteran lawyer and chairman of the House committee on natural resources, said in his resolution.

“While giving of reward is commendable for the immediate apprehension of the perpetrators of the crime, it is also equally important that we provide to the heirs of the slain journalist whose relatives are now suffering from threats and intimidation in their lives,” Barzaga said.

“This representation, taking into consideration the plight of the family members of slain journalist Percival Mabasa, believes that we must also provide financial assistance to the heirs of the deceased commentator.”

Barzaga said his intention to help Mabasa’s family also stemmed from “newspaper accounts that the family of the murdered journalist have (also) been receiving death threats from unknown persons.”

“It is hereby resolved that members of Congress be requested to voluntarily contribute monetary assistance to the heirs of Mabasa subject to the following terms and/or conditions,” Barzaga said.

Under his request, Barzaga said the voluntary donations should be “given to House secretary-general Reginald Velasco.”

He said the voluntary contributions must be given not later than November 30 and any amount given after this period shall be “remitted” to Velasco and turned over “to the heirs of Mabasa.”

Earlier, Romualdez announced a P5 million reward from the House of  Representatives for anyone who can provide information that will lead to the arrest of those responsible for the killing of Mabasa.

Romualdez said the bounty will come from the personal contributions of House members who were shocked and disturbed by the killing.

“We in the House view with concern the killing of Percy Mabasa. The perpetrators and the masterminds behind this dastardly act must be brought to justice at all costs,” Romualdez said. “Violence has no place in a civilized society like ours.”

He lamented the continued violence against the media who are just exercising their profession.

“The role of journalists is very critical in ensuring transparency in government. Protecting them is very important in guaranteeing freedom of speech and freedom of expression. We in government, consider them as partners in nation-building,” Romualdez said.The House of Representatives adopted on Monday a resolution condemning the senseless killing Lapid, as it expressed grave concern for the safety and security of journalists in the country.

House Resolution (HR) No. 489 was introduced by Speaker Romualdez, House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe and House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan.

“Local and international journalists were outraged and deeply saddened by the killing of Mr. Percival ‘Percy Lapid’ C. Mabasa, and they considered this dastardly act as an attack to the freedom of speech and of the press that must be stopped in order to save and maintain democracy,” the resolution read.

“Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives, to condemn in the strongest possible terms, the senseless killing of veteran broadcaster Percival ‘Percy Lapid’ C. Mabasa and to express grave concern for the safety and security of journalists in the country,” it added.

Mabasa, who was known for his advocacy against abuses and irregularities in his commentary program “Lapid Fire” in YouTube, was brazenly gunned down in front of his house in Sta. Cecilia Village, Las Piñas City on Oct. 3.

He was born on March 14, 1959 in Tuguegarao to parents Carmelita Lapid Carag and Marcelo “Mars” Mabasa Sr., a journalist and radio commentator who inspired Mabasa to venture into the broadcast industry.