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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Barbers barks back at 'congressmeow' Barzaga's call to probe Romualdez

Barbers barks back at 'congressmeow' Barzaga's call to probe Romualdez

Published Sep 10, 2025 08:53 pm

At A Glance

  • Former House quad-committee (quad-comm) chairman Robert Ace Barbers resurfaced on Wednesday night, Sept. 10 to respond to Cavite 4th district Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga's call to investigate Speaker Martin Romualdez on the flood control projects controversy.
Cavite 4th district Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga (left), Robert Ace Barbers (Facebook, PPAB)
Cavite 4th district Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga (left), Robert Ace Barbers (Facebook, PPAB)


Former House quad-committee (quad-comm) chairman Robert Ace Barbers resurfaced on Wednesday night, Sept. 10 to respond to Cavite 4th district Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga's call to investigate Speaker Martin Romualdez on the flood control projects controversy.
Barbers, speaking on behalf of Romualdez, said the House leader was willing to engage the eccentric Barzaga in a dialogue.
"Speaker Romualdez remains open to any dialogue with Rep. Barzaga, should he wish to raise issues or seek clarification," he said in a statement.
The former longtime Surigao del Norte 2nd district congressman said that the Speaker "continues to lead the House with a focus on unity, responsive service, and meaningful reforms—anchored on the principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity in building a Bagong Pilipinas".
Earlier Wednesday--after his decision to leave the National Unity Party (NUP) and the pro-Romualdez majority bloc--Barzaga reckoned that the sitting Speaker "must be investigated for any anomalies involving flood control public funds".
The self-proclaimed "congressmeow" specifically mentioned the time when Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district representative, became caretaker of his district (Dasmariñas City) in 2024. This was after the former's father, Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga Jr., passed away.
To this, Barbers said: "The Speaker has no involvement in any internal party matters or political realignments within the House of Representatives. These are concerns best addressed by the individual parties and their respective leadership."
"When Speaker Romualdez served as caretaker of the late Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga Jr.’s district, his role was purely administrative," Barbers said.
"He did not interfere in infrastructure projects or funding decisions. His office ensured the continuation of essential services, retained key district staff, and upheld the late congressman’s commitment to his constituents during a time of transition," he explained.
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