Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday criticized the House of Representatives for its swift decision to suspend Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga, calling the move a troubling sign of how “swiftly and aggressively” the Marcos administration deals with dissent.
In a strongly worded statement, Duterte said Barzaga’s suspension formed part of a “series of efforts to silence voices that speak uncomfortable truths.”
She pointed to the arrest of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and the filing of inciting to sedition complaints against administration critics — including herself — as part of a growing pattern.
Duterte stressed that speaking out is a constitutional right, not a privilege granted by those in power.
“In a nation that takes pride in democracy, dissent should not be treated as a threat. The right to speak freely is not granted by those in power; it is a fundamental right guaranteed and protected by our very Constitution,” VP Sara said.
“Karapatan ito ng bawat Pilipino, lalo na ng mga lingkod-bayan na may tungkuling magsiwalat ng katotohanan. Kaya kung ang isang halal ng bayan tulad ni Cong. Barzaga ay madaling patahimikin, paano pa ang mga ordinaryong Pilipinong wala namang kapangyarihan o posisyon?”
She warned that the string of punitive actions targeting government critics has fostered an atmosphere of fear, especially among citizens without political influence or institutional backing.
“Democracy demands courage,” she said. “And I stand with every Filipino who refuses to be intimidated.”
The House suspended Barzaga on Monday over an ethics complaint tied to his social media posts containing lewd imagery and displays of wealth — content he has since removed. Barzaga insisted the complaint was politically motivated.