MANILA, Philippines — Cavite Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga has been slapped with a second 60-day suspension without pay after the House of Representatives approved a committee report recommending the penalty.
During Wednesday’s plenary session, House Committee on Ethics and Privileges Chair JC Abalos of the 4Ps party-list presented findings on privilege speeches from National Unity Party (NUP) members — Negros Occidental Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer and Manila Rep. Rolando Valeriano — addressing Barzaga’s social media posts.
Barzaga had accused NUP lawmakers of being influenced by business tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. to support former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. He also controversially claimed that the late former Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop died to prevent further corruption.
Abalos explained that the committee determined Barzaga violated the same rules that led to his first suspension last December 1, including Section 141(a), Rule 20 of the House Rules, and Section 4(c) of RA 6713, the Code of Conduct for Public Officials.
“Following a careful review, the committee finds that Representative Barzaga committed repeated and escalating misconduct during his suspension from December 1, 2025, to January 30, 2026, actions that reflect poorly on the dignity and reputation of the House,” Abalos said.
The committee recommended another 60-day suspension without pay as a warning that repeated violations could result in harsher penalties, including expulsion. The House approved the recommendation with 238 votes in favor, 10 opposed, and 9 abstentions.
Barzaga previously expressed his intention to skip the new hearing, saying he would rather face expulsion. Abalos criticized this stance, stating it undermines the authority of the ethics committee and the institution itself.
Ferrer and Valeriano, along with NUP Chair and Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno, have also filed cyberlibel complaints against Barzaga. The lawmaker’s social media posts, which included lewd photos and flaunting of wealth, were cited as evidence in prior ethics investigations.
Barzaga’s first 60-day suspension was enacted on December 1 after 249 lawmakers voted in favor of the ethics committee’s recommendation. Abalos at the time noted that the posts constituted conduct “unbefitting of a House member.” /IA
