60-Day Suspension for Cavite Representative Kiko Barzaga
KIKO BARZAGA – The Cavite 4th District Representative has been found guilty in an ethics complaint and has been suspended by the House of Representatives for 60 days without pay.
The decision was made on Monday, December 1, following the recommendation of the House Ethics Committee. During the plenary session, 4Ps Representative JC Abalos read the committee’s findings, which stated that Barzaga was responsible for disorderly behavior due to inappropriate and offensive posts and photos on his social media accounts. These posts were considered improper and unbefitting of a member of Congress.
A total of 249 lawmakers voted in favor of his suspension, while 11 abstained and 5 voted against it. The complaint against Barzaga was filed by some members of the National Unity Party. According to the committee, his actions involved posting inflammatory content and keeping publicly visible photos that were seen as indecent and unacceptable for a public official.
These acts were said to have damaged the dignity, integrity, and reputation of the House of Representatives, both as an institution and as a collective body. It was also pointed out that his careless, offensive, and irresponsible use of social media harmed the image of Congress.
As part of the decision, Barzaga was ordered to delete all 24 controversial posts within 24 hours. He was also warned that heavier penalties could be imposed if he repeated the same behavior in the future.
Despite the ruling, Barzaga said he was ready to accept whatever decision was handed down to him, although he maintained that he did not violate the House code of conduct. He stated that he accepted the punishment, yet he continued to voice strong political opinions, including calling for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to step down.
During his statement, his microphone was reportedly turned off. The incident has sparked discussion online and among the public, with mixed reactions to both his behavior and the House’s decision.