HEADLINES
Meow! Barzaga clowder claws back into ‘House of crocs’
Barzaga’s social media antics included livestreaming from the session hall, posting altered images of House leaders and depicting lawmakers as crocodiles, part of his satirical attacks on fellow members.
Former Congressman Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga on Sunday celebrated his mother Jennifer Barzaga’s victory in the special election for representative of Cavite’s 4th District, putting the Barzaga clan back in the House of Representatives.
“Cavite has decided; the Barzaga Dynasty wins again!” the former congressman crowed on social media.
The Commission on Elections proclaimed Jennifer Barzaga, the Dasmariñas City mayor, the winner after she secured 201,893 of the 258,361 votes cast Saturday.
She trounced four other candidates: Raul Rex Mangubat, 30,373; Jacinto Frani Jr., 24,350; Matvin Dupal-Ag, 1,184; and Leysander Ordenes, 561.
The special election was held to fill the seat vacated by Kiko Barzaga, whom the House expelled on 2 June after 265 lawmakers voted to boot him out over disorderly behavior, conduct unbecoming of a member and violations of the House Code of Conduct.
The expulsion followed a complaint filed by Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin over Barzaga’s social media posts targeting lawmakers.
Before being shown the congressional exit, Barzaga had served two 60-day suspensions over his conduct.
The House Ethics Committee said he violated rules requiring lawmakers to conduct themselves in a manner that preserves the chamber’s integrity and credibility.
Barzaga’s social media antics included livestreaming from the session hall, posting altered images of House leaders and depicting lawmakers as crocodiles, part of his satirical attacks on fellow members.