Puno files cyber-libel case vs Barzaga over bribery post

Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno on Tuesday filed cyber-libel charges against Representative Francisco Barzaga before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Antipolo over allegations posted on social media.

The complaint stems from 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 imputed the commission of a serious crime and was published through Barzaga’s verified Facebook page, which has about 1.9 million followers. He added that the claim was further amplified by online news sites and social media pages, significantly expanding its reach.

The complaint traces the dispute to an earlier ethics case before the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges. On 17 September 2025, Puno and 28 other House members filed a verified ethics complaint against Barzaga for alleged violations of House rules and Republic Act No. 6713 over social media posts described as “containing scurrilous attacks against government institutions and officials constituting conduct unbecoming of a Member of Congress.”

On 1 December 2025, the committee issued Committee Report No. 28, finding Barzaga guilty of disorderly behavior and conduct unbecoming of a House member. The panel recommended a 60-day suspension without salaries and allowances, issued a stern warning against repetition, and ordered the removal of the subject posts within 24 hours of plenary adoption.

The complaint also cited the committee’s findings that Barzaga did not deny ownership of the posts and acknowledged that the content was published by his page editor under his instruction and approval.

Puno said Barzaga posted the 9 January allegation while still under suspension, describing it as retaliation against him and other members of the National Unity Party who initiated the ethics proceedings.

“Actions have consequences, especially when they are malicious and clearly intended to destroy reputations without any basis,” Puno said. “You cannot casually accuse someone of a crime, broadcast it to millions, and expect to hide behind social media antics. We will pursue full accountability under the law.”

In his complaint-affidavit, Puno argued that Barzaga’s post satisfies the elements of cyber-libel under Section 4(c)(4) of Republic Act No. 10175, in relation to Articles 353 and 355 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 10951. He said the allegation of bribery constitutes a criminal imputation made publicly, maliciously, and through a computer system.

The filing further argued that the post is not covered by parliamentary immunity, noting that cyber-libel carries a penalty exceeding six years and that the speech or debate clause does not extend to statements made outside Congress and unrelated to legislative action.

Puno categorically denied receiving any bribe from Enrique Razon or any other individual, saying he is seeking legal redress for what he described as a false and malicious accusation.

“Other NUP Members who were similarly maligned are already in the process of filing their own complaints,” Puno said. “This is not about rhetoric. As we’ve said before, this is about protecting our reputations and enforcing accountability when outright falsehoods are thrown at us.”