Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga surrendered to authorities in Dasmariñas City on Monday evening, April 13, following the issuance of an arrest warrant tied to multiple cyber libel charges.
According to a report from the Dasmariñas Component City Police Station, Barzaga arrived at around 7 p.m. accompanied by his legal counsel. He is facing eight counts of cyber libel under Section 4 (C) of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The charges stem from statements Barzaga posted on social media, where he alleged that several lawmakers had received bribes to support former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez.
While Barzaga later issued a public apology, complaints were still pursued before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office by businessman Enrique Razon and two other congressmen.
On Monday, Branch 147 of the Regional Trial Court in Makati City issued the arrest warrant and set bail at ₱48,000 for each of the eight counts.
Police confirmed that Barzaga is currently in custody.
“The said subject person is now under the custody of Dasmariñas Component City Police Station for proper disposition. The accused was informed of his constitutional rights,” the official report stated.