LOTS of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.
— American talk show host Oprah Winfrey
MORE than three years ago, on October 3, 2022, a good friend unwillingly bade goodbye. That fateful day, Percival Mabasa, or Percy Lapid to his fans and followers, died by an assassin’s bullet while on his way to his studio to broadcast live his hard-hitting program ‘Lapid Fire’.
Percy was 63 when the unthinkable happened. A lot of us grieve over his death, especially Percy’s family, his brother Roy, also a good friend whom I emulate, and his other siblings. But unknown to most perhaps, Percy’s death struck a chord in my heart as he was not only my compare but also a colleague in media and music and one with whom I shared a lot of happiness and pain—both of us struggled and triumphed in life.
I remember what he used to tell me: “Hindi ako malalaos . . . hindi naman kasi ako sumikat e.” And he would laugh in that quirky way he does that infects everyone around him. There was a time we frequented the sing-along bars in Malate and Ermita and he would always sing his patented rendition of ‘Lying Eyes’, popularized by his favorite band The Eagles.
I sorely miss my friend and whenever I have the chance to be in a bar, I would always honor Percy by singing his favorite songs.
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AND here’s a post by Percy’s brother Roy, which I want to share with my readers.
Three Years of Waiting, Still No Justice for Percy Lapid
Three years have passed, but for our family, it still feels like that painful night never ended. We are still waiting, still hurting, still asking, when will justice come for my brother, Percy Lapid Mabasa?
Percy was not just a journalist. He was a truth teller. He spoke for ordinary people and was never afraid to question those in power.
But on the night of October 3, 2022, he was silenced, shot dead on his way to his program “Lapid Fire” in Las Piñas City.
Since then, we were told that justice would be served. But three years later, one of the main suspects, former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag, is still free.
Is anyone still looking for him? Or has everyone already moved on because the headlines have faded?
Every day we wait, hoping someone still cares. Every night we remember his voice, his laughter, his courage.
The pain of losing him never fades. It only grows with every day of silence.
President Bongbong Marcos, please tell us, how long must we wait?
Where is justice for Percy?
#JusticeForPercyLapid
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FOR your comments or suggestions, complaints or requests, just send a message through my email at cipcab2006@yahoo.com or text me at cellphone numbers 09171656792 or 09171592256 during office hours from Monday to Friday. Thank you and mabuhay!
