Representatives Leandro Leviste (Batangas, 1st District) and Kiko Barzaga (Cavite, 4th District) have clarified their political standings, stating they have no immediate plans to join the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) under the leadership of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The two lawmakers addressed the speculation following their attendance at the 89th Araw ng Dabaw celebration on March 28, an event that coincided with the former president’s birthday.
Leviste Prioritizes Legislative Freedom
Leviste, who ran as an independent candidate in the 2025 elections, briefly joined the Lakas-CMD party post-polls to secure committee memberships.
However, he has since moved to relinquish those roles to return to an independent status.
“I have no plan to join any party at the moment,” Leviste stated. “I joined Lakas after the elections to get my committee memberships, but I wrote to the House to relinquish my committee memberships, so that I can be an independent in Congress, so that I can say anything in Congress without needing clearance from anyone.”
While Leviste formally informed the House of his decision to maintain independence in his legislative work, he acknowledged in a recent interview that he remains a supporter of the Duterte family.
Barzaga Maintains Independent Status
Representative Barzaga, who became an independent after being removed from the National Unity Party (NUP)—the party formerly associated with his late father, Elpidio Barzaga Jr.—offered a more playful response regarding his political future.
When asked about the possibility of joining the PDP, Barzaga replied:
“Meowmaybe mwehehehe.”
Despite the lighthearted comment, Barzaga has not made any official move to affiliate with a national political party at this time.
Both lawmakers continue to navigate their terms without formal party ties, emphasizing their current roles as independent members of the House of Representatives.