Kiko Barzaga Accused of Damaging NUP’s Reputation
KIKO BARZAGA – The Cavite 4th District Representative is facing a cyber libel complaint filed by Manila Representative Rolando Valeriano following a Facebook post Barzaga made alleging that members of the National Unity Party (NUP) received kickbacks in exchange for political support.
The complaint was formally submitted on January 21, 2026, when Valeriano personally went to the Manila City Prosecutor’s office with his lawyer to file the case. Valeriano explained that Barzaga’s post has already reached around 16 million viewers, damaging the reputation of the involved lawmakers and affecting their professional relationships. He criticized Barzaga for using such serious allegations as a means to gain attention or popularity, emphasizing that this approach is inappropriate and harmful.
“Wala pa at saka the damage has been done,” he said, “16 million of views at ngayon, tingin ko, ang tingin nila [ay] flavor of the month ‘yong mga congressman, ‘di ba?”
This is not the first cyber libel case Barzaga has faced. House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno also filed a similar complaint in Antipolo City related to the same Facebook post, arguing that Barzaga acted with clear malicious intent to damage the reputation of the NUP without any evidence. Both Valeriano and Puno highlighted that Barzaga’s accusations were widely visible online, reaching millions of social media users, which amplifies the alleged harm to the lawmakers’ credibility and public image.
Under Philippine law, Barzaga could be held accountable for various elements of cyber libel under Section 4(c)(4) of Republic Act No. 10175, in connection with Articles 353 and 355 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 10951. These provisions cover malicious online statements intended to defame individuals or groups, with legal consequences for those found guilty.
As of the latest reports, Kiko Barzaga has not publicly responded to the complaints or issued a statement regarding the allegations.