House to probe Barzaga anew for ‘continuing defiance’
The House of Representatives approved on Tuesday a motion for its committee on ethics and privileges to again investigate Cavite Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga, who allegedly continues to break the chamber’s rules despite the 60-day suspension meted against him in December.
This was after Manila Rep. Rolando Valeriano took notice of Barzaga’s recent behavior on social media, particularly his attacks against members of the National Unity Party (NUP) and the late Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop.
“Last Dec. 1, 2025, this House imposed a 60-day suspension upon [Barzaga] for serious violation of the House (rules), with the stern warning that repetition of similar misconduct would merit more severe sanctions,” Valeriano, an NUP member and House committee on public order and safety chair, said in a privilege speech.
“Despite this, Congressman Barzaga has continued his defiance,” he added. “This defiance, these acts, committed through his official congressional platforms, flagrantly violate Section 141 or Rule 20 of our rules. Mr. Speaker, discipline without enforcement renders our authority meaningless. The continuing defiance of Congressman Barzaga must be addressed immediately.”
Anti-Acop post
Valeriano cited Barzaga’s unsubstantiated claim in a Jan. 9 Facebook post that business tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. bribed NUP members to reelect Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez for House Speaker in the 20th Congress.
He also brought up Barzaga’s other social media posts in which he described the deceased Acop as being in hell and that “death would not stop him (Acop) from facing justice” for his alleged involvement in the flood control scam.
The motion for a new investigation by the House ethics panel was made by House Deputy Majority Leader Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez of the 1-Rider party list and approved in a plenary session.
Razon, Valeriano and NUP chair Antipolo Rep. Ronaldo Puno have separately filed cyberlibel charges against Barzaga over his bribery allegation.
The rookie lawmaker was ordered suspended for gross misconduct and behavior unbecoming of a public official after he posted lewd photos of himself with women and for his social media posts that incited hatred against the chamber and mocked his colleagues.
Valeriano, however, said he was open to mediation meetings with Barzaga provided he submits himself to a thorough psychiatic test.
The meetings will be facilitated by the Department of Justice on Feb. 2 and Feb. 4 at the Manila Prosecutor’s Office which earlier received Valeriano’s cyberlibel complaint against the younger solon.
Valeriano said that Barzaga should agree to undergo “thorough psychiatric evaluation by a psychiatrist at the Philippine General Hospital or other reputable medical facility.”
“If he fails these tests and falls below the benchmarks, I do not see how mediation can resolve matters,” he added. —WITH A REPORT FROM KRIXIA SUBINGSUBING
