Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga expressed his intention to personally apologize to business tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., admitting that his earlier public remarks stemmed from a misunderstanding that escalated into a cyberlibel case.
Speaking on veteran journalist Ramon Tulfo’s podcast, Barzaga said he is prepared for a face-to-face apology, though he acknowledged that the legal process must still proceed.
Razon filed a cyberlibel complaint on January 14 before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office, accusing Barzaga of posting false claims linking him to congressional corruption and bribery. The case seeks ₱100 million in moral damages and ₱10 million in exemplary damages.
Barzaga explained that his regret is rooted in personal circumstances involving his late father, who admired Razon and worked with him in political circles.
“My father really liked Razon. He looked up to him. He admired him,” Barzaga said.
He admitted his resentment grew after Razon did not attend his father’s funeral, which he misinterpreted as disregard.
“I was actually looking forward to seeing him in my father’s funeral. And he was not there so I was actually wondering why… eventually that turned into a personal grudge,” he said.
Barzaga later learned that his father had asked Razon not to attend due to pandemic health concerns.
“He’s also a senior citizen and might get COVID. My father was worried about the safety of Razon during that time,” he said. “Parang after that, nawala na yong grudge ko kay Razon…. I initially thought of Razon as someone who doesn’t value his subordinates.”
Despite the ongoing case, Barzaga said reconciliation remains possible, but only through a personal apology.
“I’d like to meet with Razon and apologize personally,” he said.
He admitted the matter has already gone beyond informal settlement, stressing that both sides must protect their reputations.
“Right now it has reached a point where it cannot be stopped. He needs to protect his reputation kung hinayaan nya lang ako mag sorry tapos ok na lahat then it might affect him as a businessman and I also need to protect myself in court,” Barzaga added.
The lawmaker said he accepts accountability and is prepared for penalties if convicted.
“Kung sakaling magkaroon ng fine or imprisonment as penalty, tanggap ko naman yun,” he said.
Barzaga concluded that his misinterpretation broke his father’s trust, but he now accepts the consequences.
“Siguro may appeal pa rin but from a moral standpoint, if that’s going to be my punishment for making a statement on what I assumed of Razon’s perspective or Razon’s personality, then tama lang makasuhan ako doon,” he added.