Cyber-libel charges were filed by Deputy Speaker Ronaldo “Ronnie” V. Puno on Tuesday against Representative Francisco “Kiko” A. Barzaga before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Antipolo.

The charges were in connection with Barzaga’s 9 January 2026 Facebook post alleging that “NUP Congressmen received bribes from Enrique Razon in various gatherings in Solaire prior to the 2025 elections in exchange for supporting Speaker Martin Romualdez.”

Puno said the post falsely imputes the commission of a serious crime and was published publicly on Barzaga’s verified Facebook page, “Congressman Kiko Barzaga,” which, according to the complaint, has approximately 1.9 million followers. Puno added that the post was subsequently amplified through online news sites and social media pages, widening its reach and impact.

It traces the dispute to a prior ethics case before the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges wherein on 17 September 2025, Puno and 28 other House members filed a verified ethics complaint against Barzaga for alleged violation of the House Rules and Republic Act 6713 in relation to social media posts “containing scurrilous attacks against government institutions and officials constituting conduct unbecoming of a member of Congress.”

Aberrant member

The Committee on Ethics and Privileges, on 1 December 2025 issued Committee Report 28, finding Barzaga guilty of disorderly behavior and conduct unbecoming of a member of the House, recommending a 60-day suspension without salaries and allowances, issuing a stern warning that repetition would result in more severe disciplinary action, and directing the removal of the posts subject of the case within 24 hours from adoption in plenary.

The complaint further cites the Committee’s findings that Barzaga did not deny ownership of the social media posts at issue and that the content was posted by his page editor under his instruction and approval, with Barzaga affirming that, save for miscommunication with staff, social media content published on his accounts was with his consent.

The deputy speaker said that, despite the House’s disciplinary action, Barzaga published the 9 January post while still suspended. The complaint describes the post as retaliation against Puno and the other NUP Members who previously initiated the ethics proceedings.