Whether intentional or not, Cavite 4th district Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga became a source of comic relief following the resignation of Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez during plenary session Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 17.

The House members were in the middle of nominal or individual voting for Romualdez's successor, Isabela 6th district Rep. Faustino "Bojie" Dy III, when he caught everybody's attention.

Taking his turn to vote, Barzaga sheepishly approached the podium and said, "Ahem...I abstain."

The 27-year-old then waved goodbye and went about his business.

These actions were followed by a smattering applause--unusual during nominal voting--and then an audible chuckle from House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, who was presiding over the voting.

For several days now, the self-proclaimed "congressmeow" had been saying that he would run for Speaker. He said he would move to declare the Speaker's seat vacant, but Romualdez's resignation rendered his threat moot.

As for his ambition to become Speaker, Barzaga's dreams were dashed after nobody nominated him for the post in plenary.

On Wednesday morning, the unpredictable Barzaga--shade-wearing bodyguards and all--went to the Speaker's office supposedly to talk to Romualdez, but they failed to meet.

In the past few weeks, the Dasmariñas City lawmaker has been throwing shade at Romualdez, Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos, and other top officials in government like President Marcos, Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, and Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson via his Facebook posts.

It remains to be seen how Barzaga will interpret Romualdez's resignation and Dy's subsequent victory on his social media posts.