The House of Representatives has voted to suspend Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga for another 60 days without salary and allowances, citing repeated and escalating misconduct.
During Wednesday’s plenary session, House Committee on Ethics and Privileges chairperson JC Abalos (4Ps Party-list) reported that the panel approved the renewed suspension after finding Barzaga violated House rules while serving his initial 60-day suspension imposed on December 1, 2025.
Abalos said Barzaga breached Section 141, Rule 20 of the House Rules by continuing to post what the committee deemed malicious and defamatory content on social media during his suspension.
He added that Barzaga ignored formal notices to appear before the committee and openly declared he would not attend the ethics hearing, prompting the panel to declare him in default.
“The Committee will not tolerate conduct that brings itself and the entire House into disgrace and contempt,” Abalos stressed.
Among the cited posts were Barzaga’s claims that business tycoon Enrique Razon bribed members of the National Unity Party (NUP) to support the 2025 speakership bid of Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, as well as statements attacking the late Antipolo City 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop.
Abalos said the committee found the attacks on a deceased colleague “particularly reprehensible and incompatible with the dignity expected of a House member.”
Following the report, the plenary voted 238-10, with nine abstentions, to adopt the committee’s recommendation.
The suspension also carries a warning that any further similar violations could result in harsher penalties, including expulsion under House rules.