The House of Representatives suspended Dasmariñas Rep. Kiko Barzaga for 60 days—without salaries and allowances—after being found guilty of “disorderly behavior” over “reckless, offensive, and irresponsible” social media posts, mainly against the administration, that allegedly incited sedition.
With 249-5-11 votes, the House adopted the 27-page report of the House committee on ethics and privileges that outlined several violations allegedly committed by Barzaga. This includes, among others, Section 4(c) of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713) and engaging in conduct unbecoming of a member of Congress.
Panel chairperson JC Abalos explicitly stated that Barzaga's posts “bring contempt, discredit, and disrepute the name of the House of Representatives,” and that “a repetition of similar conduct will result [in] more severe disciplinary action,” which is expulsion.
“Respondent’s conduct simply does not reflect the kind of principles and ideals the public expects of a public official," the chair declared during the plenary session.
The subject posts allegedly include, among others, content that is “lewd, unprofessional, and inappropriate photos,” which Abalos said “clearly shows bad faith.”
“His actions reflected negatively upon the dignity, integrity, and reputation of the House of Representatives as an institution of the members of the House individually and collectively,” he declared during the plenary session.
Barzaga is also ordered to remove 24 social media posts subject to the ethics case within 24 hours of the adoption of the committee report of the plenary.
Although some lawmakers agreed that the actions committed by Barzaga were inconsistent with the ethics, conduct, and decorum required of a lawmaker, such actions should not stifle free speech.
Barzaga, on the other hand, responded that he “wholeheartedly accept[ed]” the decision of the committee, but maintained his “stance that President Marcos must be held accountable for his crimes.”
“Too many people have died, and too much money was plundered from the Filipino people for us to stand down now,” he said on the floor.
The controversial neophyte lawmaker has drawn public attention over his social media posts calling for the resignation of President Marcos Jr., Cabinet members, and other key officials of the government, whom he alleged were involved in wrongdoings and corruption, such as in the flood control scam, without sufficient evidence.
He also actively called and participated in the anti-corruption movement.
Aside from his ethics case, Barzaga revealed that he is also facing a criminal complaint lodged by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, accusing him of inciting sedition and rebellion.