The National Unity Party (NUP) is calling for the expulsion of Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga from the House of Representatives, citing his continued social media posts that party leaders described as baseless accusations.
Antipolo City 1st District Representative Ronaldo Puno said Barzaga’s conduct has undermined the institution and requires stronger action than suspension.
“So I think it demeans the House to have somebody like him there,” Puno said during a press conference Friday. “So baka naman the House will consider expelling him na lang para wala nang ganyan na problema.”
Puno, who chairs the NUP, noted that Barzaga’s online activity persisted despite his suspension, calling it outright defiance.
“I-expel na rin siya kasi parang talagang outright defiance of everything that is going on,” he added. “Baka puwedeng i-expel na lang natin ’yan kasi it doesn’t look as if there’s going to be any end to this problem unless he is removed.”
The deputy speaker further accused Barzaga of acting in bad faith and failing to meet the standards expected of a legislator.
“At saka bad faith na siya kasi susunod tapos hindi, tapos then he comes up, nag-i-imbento ng kung ano-ano,” Puno said. “Hindi talaga ito behavior ng tunay na mambabatas. Parang naging laro-laro na lang.”
He disclosed that the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges has yet to act on NUP’s request for a comprehensive fitness review before Barzaga is allowed to return after serving his 60-day suspension.
“Wala pa, dahil wala pa kaming sessions. Siguro ini-expect ko baka by the 26th [of January] ganyan baka lumabas na ‘yung kanilang sagot doon,” Puno said.
According to him, Congress should consider making an example out of Barzaga to safeguard its integrity.
“Make an example of somebody who just absolutely defies everything that Congress is all about and then creates confusion, and it really tarnishes the reputation of everybody there,” he said. “Mahirap naman na pabayaan natin ‘yung ganyan.”
Puno stressed that suspension is no longer enough, claiming Barzaga’s actions have worsened.
“Hindi na lang sa hindi natuto, lalong lumala ‘yung ginagawa at parang binabalewala niya lahat. He is mocking Congress, parang pinagtatawanan niya ‘yung Congress,” he said.
The NUP chairperson added that Barzaga has become a distraction to House proceedings.