On the second death anniversary of renowned broadcast journalist Percy Lapid (Percival Mabasa), political leaders have renewed their calls for justice and accountability, expressing hope that the current congressional investigations on extra-judicial killings during the Duterte administration will also cover his case.
Despite cases being filed, key suspects, including former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Chief Gerald Bantag, remain at large. The mastermind who ordered the assassination is still not ascertained.
Former Senator Leila De Lima, who was unjustly jailed for seven years on false charges, said, “The landscape for justice is shifting and we must seize this opportunity to amplify our voices and demand accountability. There is a growing awareness among the public and more people are standing in solidarity against oppression. We must harness this momentum to ensure that our demands are not only heard but are acted upon.”
Former Senator Kiko Pangilinan said, “I am hopeful that itong kaso ng pagpatay kay Percy Lapid, kay Percy Mabasa, ay susunod na rin ang pag-aamin ng mga testigo—kung sino ang tunay na nasa likod nito…Ang tanong lang diyan eh saan siya kumuha ng lakas ng loob na gawin itong karumaldumal na pagpatay, saan siya kumuha ng lakas ng loob upang atakihin ang Secretary of Justice na si Secretary [Jesus Crispin] Remulla.”
In January 2023, Bantag accused Remulla and current BuCor chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. of murder, grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and conduct unbecoming of a public official. In October 2023, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the complaints for lack of probable cause.
Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno reiterated the need for authorities to intensify efforts to arrest the masterminds behind Lapid’s killing.
“Dalawang taon na ang nakalipas mula nang siya ay mapaslang subalit hanggang ngayon wala pa rin sa likod ng rehas na bakal ang mga nasa utak ng krimen na ito,” Diokno said. “Patuloy pa rin tayong maging mapagbantay sa mga developments ng kaso upang matiyak na mabibigyang hustisya ang sinapit ni Ka Percy.”
De Lima also expressed solidarity with the Mabasa family. “I understand all too well the cost of speaking out against the powers that beat and the risk involve for standing for what is right. Percy’s death is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to challenge the status-quo but it is also a call to action,” she said.
De Lima emphasized the importance of continuing the fight for accountability, particularly as public awareness grows around the issue of oppression and injustice.
ACT Teachers Partylist Representative France Castro expressed her frustration at the slow progress of the case. “Dalawang taon na ang nakalipas, hanggang ngayon at large pa yung mga suspect at may mga namatay na. Pero gusto natin talaga makamit nang buong-buo ang katarungan,” she said.
Castro reiterated her support for the Lapid family and stressed the need to fight for press freedom. “Nakikiisa ako sa mga kaibigan at pamilya at malalapit na kamag-anak ni Percy Lapid. Mabuhay ang press freedom. Ipaglaban po natin ang kalayaan sa pamamahayag. Itigil na ang pamamaslang at katarungan para kay Percy,” she said.
Senator Risa Hontiveros joined in honoring Lapid’s memory. “Ka Percy paid the ultimate price for speaking truth to power. On this anniversary of his passing, we reflect on the impact of that day and the profound loss we continue to feel. Muli at patuloy po akong nakikiisa sa pagdadalamhati ng buong pamilya Mabasa at lahat ng naulila ni Ka Percy,” she said.
Hontiveros said it is important to create a society where journalists are protected and dissenting voices are valued.
“The act of taking Ka Percy’s life was not only tragedy for his loved ones but an attack to the very principles of democracy that we hold dear. So, in Ka Percy’s memory let us strive to create an environment in which dissenting voices are heard, where inquiries are welcome and where transparency is a pillar of hope,” she said.
Hontiveros also expressed admiration for the courage of the Mabasa family and called for unity in seeking justice.
Through his life and work, Percy Lapid championed the fight for truth, justice, and press freedom.