House slaps new 60-day suspension vs Kiko Barzaga over continued misconduct

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives extended the suspension of Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga due to his supposed continued misconduct on social media.

The House adopted on Wednesday, February 4, the ethics committee recommendation to issue another 60-day suspension against Barzaga, who had already been slapped with the same punishment two months ago for social media posts that his colleagues found to be “reckless.”

“After a thorough deliberation on the case, the committee finds that respondent Barzaga of the 4th District of Cavite committed repeated, escalating misconduct during the period of his suspension from office during December 1, 2025 to January 30, 2026, which reflected negatively upon the dignity, integrity, and reputation of the House of Representatives as an institution,” said in the committee report read by chairman JC Abalos.

A total of 238 lawmakers voted in favor of his continued suspension, while 10 objected. Nine others abstained.

In particular, the committee took notice of Barzaga’s “vilification of a deceased colleague,” referring to the late Antipolo congressman Romeo Acop. Barzaga, in a Facebook post, had linked Acop to corruption without basis and said the latter is “now suffering through eternal damnation.”

His former colleagues in the NUP, which filed the complaint against him, also alleged that Barzaga continued his unruly behavior by defaming his colleagues and a private individual, likely in reference to businessman Enrique Razon, whom Barzaga accused of bribery without proof.

The ethics committee also condemned Barzaga’s decision to ignore its hearings about him.

“Choosing to entirely ignore the disciplinary proceedings in the committee on ethics in a manner that undermines the work of the committee ultimately undermines the House of Representatives as an institution,” the committee report added.

Barzaga was present in the plenary on Wednesday and voted against his new suspension order.

Because of the suspension, Barzaga will continue to be barred from attending sessions, receiving salary, and enjoying office space in the House.

Suspension is the second gravest penalty that can be imposed on a House member, next only to expulsion. – Rappler.com