Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga has formally withdrawn from the National Unity Party (NUP), an ally of the Lakas-CMD faction led by House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Barzaga revealed that someone from within his former party had been spreading rumors accusing him of gathering signatures from fellow lawmakers to unseat Romualdez. He denied the allegations outright.
Standing firm, Barzaga insisted that Speaker Romualdez should be the first to face investigation over the alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
“Well I believe that if anyone should be investigated, the first person should be investigated is House Speaker Martin Romualdez, because he is the Speaker,” Barzaga said.
He further argued that it was impossible for Romualdez to be unaware of the alleged corruption—not only in the flood control projects but also in the crafting of the 2025 national budget.
Alongside his resignation from the NUP, Barzaga also stepped down as House Assistant Majority Leader. He announced he would be joining an “independent bloc” together with Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco, Bacolod City Rep. Albee Benitez, and Cebu 5th District Rep. Duke Frasco.