Vice President Sara Duterte has thrown her support behind former Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga following his expulsion from the House of Representatives, praising him for resisting political coercion and corruption.
In a public letter shared on social media on Wednesday, June 3, Duterte urged Barzaga to hold firm to his principles amidst heavy criticism and the political fallout of his removal.
”It takes grit to be yourself in a world that rewards conformity,” Duterte wrote.
Acknowledging that his decisions might polarize the public, the Vice President maintained that personal integrity and conviction outweigh societal approval.
”Not everyone will understand your choices or the path you take, and that’s okay. What matters is staying true to who you are and what you believe in,” she said.
Duterte drew similarities between Barzaga’s current predicament and her own political journey, noting how she has faced intense scrutiny for defying conventional political norms.
”Ako man ay itinuturing na kakaiba. Ilang beses na akong tinawag na baliw, bobo, at kung anu-ano pa dahil lamang sa pagtangging sumunod sa nakasanayan,” Duterte added.
Defending the former lawmaker, Duterte characterized Barzaga as an uncorrupted public servant while throwing sharp, veiled accusations at unnamed officials for allegedly condoning illicit activities within government ranks.
”You are different because you have never been convicted of child abuse, never brought home ‘maletas’ of public funds, never allowed cocaine and alcohol to flow from your office, and never said yes to corruption and oppression,” Duterte said.
‘Walking Alone Is Okay, Too’
Duterte reminded Barzaga that standing up for one’s beliefs often requires independent courage, even when allies are scarce.
”It takes courage to charge forward even if no one will follow you,” Duterte told the former lawmaker.
She added that his resilience serves as an inspiration to citizens, proving that character matters more than bending to political trends.
”The strength you show inspires more Filipinos than you may ever know,” she said.
Closing her message with a lighthearted note, Duterte wished Barzaga a quick recovery from a reported cold.
”Mahal ka ng Diyos, mga Caviteño, mga Dabawenyo, mga agila at ng mga pusa,” she wrote.
The Expulsion
Barzaga was officially ousted from the legislature during a plenary session on the evening of June 2. Following recommendations from the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, the chamber voted 265–14, with eight abstentions, to finalize his removal.
The ethics panel held Barzaga accountable for disorderly behavior and unparliamentary conduct. Investigations focused on multiple offenses, including interrupting plenary sessions, controversial online posts, broadcasting unauthorized livestreams from the session floor, and actions interpreted as insubordination toward House leadership.