Lawmakers from the National Unity Party (NUP) have asked the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges to require a comprehensive fitness review of Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga before he is allowed to resume legislative duties.
In a Manifestation and Motion, NUP members said Barzaga continued to engage in conduct unbecoming of a lawmaker despite previous sanctions.
“Disciplinary measures are meant to be corrective, not merely punitive. Continued violations even after formal sanctions raise serious doubts about whether Barzaga is capable of performing his duties as a legislator in accordance with the law and House rules,” the complainants said.
Barzaga had been suspended for 60 days without pay and benefits on December 1, 2025, with a warning that repetition of similar acts could lead to harsher penalties.
However, the complainants cited his continued use of verified official social media accounts to post content that allegedly brings disrepute to the House, including mocking the late Antipolo 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop, making crude remarks about women, and spreading inflammatory political commentary.
The motion stresses that the Ethics Committee should determine whether Barzaga is physically, mentally, emotionally, and behaviorally prepared to return to House work, in compliance with the Code of Conduct for Members of Congress.
“Ultimately, the House must uphold standards that merit public respect, warning that when misconduct persists even after discipline, corrective interventions become necessary to protect institutional integrity and sustain public trust in democratic institutions,” the complainants said.
The NUP clarified that they are not seeking a new penalty but are invoking the committee’s supervisory and fact-finding authority to ensure safeguards are in place before Barzaga resumes legislative functions.