MANILA — Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga confirmed on Tuesday that he has complied with the House of Representatives’ directive to remove 24 social media posts flagged in his ongoing ethics case.
The posts, deemed “unparliamentary” and constituting “disorderly behavior,” were no longer visible as of Tuesday afternoon. Asked if he had removed them as directed, Barzaga replied, “Meowyes.”
The House sanctioned Barzaga with a 60-day suspension, citing posts considered “incendiary,” “inappropriate,” or “indecent.” The action followed an ethics complaint filed in September by former partymates in the National Unity Party, which alleged that the posts were “lewd, flaunting wealth, or inciting seditious activity.”
Barzaga’s camp argued that the posts were protected under the right to free speech, a view shared by some congressmen.
House Committee on Ethics Chairperson JC Abalos defended the panel’s findings, saying the posts went beyond political criticism. “Displaying wealth has no bearing on political opinion. Posting images disrespectful to women or suggesting violence, such as burning Congress, is not genuine criticism,” he said.
Abalos also addressed calls for the committee to investigate alleged ethical violations of lawmakers implicated in flood control anomalies, noting that formal complaints would be acted upon. He added that while motu proprio investigations are possible, the committee must function as a quasi-judicial body.
