HOUSE EXPELS CAVITE REP. KIKO BARZAGA

TheMonitorMindanoToday.com | HOUSE EXPELS CAVITE REP. KIKO BARZAGA

The House of Representatives on Tuesday voted 265-14 with eight abstentions to adopt the Committee on Ethics and Privileges’ recommendation to expel Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga following findings related to alleged violations of House rules and conduct standards.

The decision came after a complaint filed by Deputy Speaker Janette Garin of Iloilo, who accused Barzaga of actions that the committee deemed disruptive to House proceedings and detrimental to the institution’s image. The complaint focused on several incidents, including social media posts, commentary on legislative developments, and conduct within the session hall.

Throughout the proceedings, Barzaga maintained that his actions were exercises of political expression and legitimate criticism of House leadership. Supporters argued that his social media content reflected concerns shared by some constituents and represented his efforts to remain transparent and accessible to the public.

The Ethics Committee nevertheless concluded that Barzaga violated Sections 141(a) and (b) of the House Rules, which require members to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the House and to comply with parliamentary regulations.

In its report, the committee cited Barzaga’s previous disciplinary sanctions and determined that stronger action was warranted.

“The Committee considers that another penalty of suspension will not likely deter the improper behavior, which continuously reflects negatively on the image of the House of Representatives,” the report stated.

“After deliberation on the case, the Committee found Rep. Francisco ‘Kiko’ A. Barzaga of the Fourth District of Cavite to have committed disorderly behavior and conduct unbecoming of a Member of the House of Representatives.”

Barzaga, however, argued that many of the cited incidents occurred during suspended sessions rather than active legislative proceedings. He contended that elected officials should retain the ability to express criticism and engage with the public, particularly through modern communication platforms.

The controversy stemmed from several incidents in September 2025, including social media videos featuring edited images of House leaders, live-streaming activities inside the session hall, and commentary directed at fellow lawmakers. While critics viewed these actions as inappropriate, supporters characterized them as political satire and an extension of democratic discourse.

The ethics panel rejected Barzaga’s defense, emphasizing that lawmakers are expected to maintain decorum and professionalism within the institution regardless of whether a formal session is underway.

“The session hall represents statesmanship; it is not a place for unruly or disorderly conduct,” the committee emphasized in its findings.

Despite the House’s action, Barzaga’s allies expressed concern that the expulsion could be viewed as a harsh response to political expression and dissent. They argued that disciplinary measures should not discourage lawmakers from openly communicating their views to the public.

The House maintained that it acted within its constitutional authority to discipline members for disorderly behavior, including the power to impose suspension or expulsion under Article VI, Section 16(3) of the Constitution.

The expulsion marks one of the rare instances in Philippine congressional history in which the House has exercised its authority to remove a sitting member. While the decision immediately ends Barzaga’s membership in the chamber, observers note that he may still pursue legal remedies available under Philippine law as he seeks to challenge the ruling and defend his actions.

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