Cue in the sad cat meow sounds since it is now official: Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga, more popularly known as “Congressmeow Kiko Barzaga” online, was officially removed from the reserve force of the Philippine Army (PA).

This was confirmed by PA spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala on Wednesday, Oct. 22, a month after it was revealed that Barzaga was recommended for delistment by the Army.

In a statement, Dema-ala said Barzaga's delistment took effect on Sept. 21, a few days before the recommendation for delistment was even announced on Sept. 30.

“Mayroon kasing procedures. Inannounce lang noong September 30 ‘yung kanyang recommendation, however, tumatakbo na ang investigation sa kanya. And September 21 niya kasi na commit ang offense (There were procedures already. The recommendation [for delistment] was only announced on September 30, however, the investigation against him was already ongoing even before. And he committed the offense on September 21),” Dema-ala explained.

The PA said the delistment was made in accordance with General Headquarters, Armed Forces of the Philippines Standard Operating Procedure No. 7, which outlines administrative actions for grave offenses.

“As a result, Representative Barzaga loses his status as a member of the AFP Reserve Force and is no longer authorized to wear the military uniform under any circumstance,” he said. “He is also barred from being commissioned into the AFP Regular or Reserve Force in the future.”

The PA cited provisions of the Revised Penal Code, specifically Article 177 (Usurpation of Authority or Official Function) and Article 179 (Illegal Use of Uniforms and Insignias), as the legal basis for prohibiting Barzaga from wearing military attire.

The service branch clarified that the decision was “purely administrative” and “does not reflect on the personal character or public service record” of the lawmaker.

“While we regret the necessity of this action, the Philippine Army upholds its commitment to discipline, integrity, and accountability. We do not condone violations of military regulations, regardless of status or position, as part of our duty to preserve the professionalism and credibility of the organization.” Dema-ala added.

Barzaga, who gained online traction due to his eccentric behavior and proclivity for cats, was enlisted as a private on Jan. 10, 2025 by the National Capital Region Regional Community Defense Group (NCRRDG), a unit under the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM).

Photos shown by Barzaga on his social media in November 2024 revealed he had undergone the Basic Citizen Military Training (BCMT), the entry-level training program conducted by the ARESCOM for individuals who want to become part of the military’s reserve force.

However, the Army revealed it was set to remove Barzaga from the reserve roster on Sept 30, only eight months after his enlistment.

Dema-ala said that the Army monitored posts by Barzaga on social media claiming that active and reserve officers of the military and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have lost their trust in the Commander-in-Chief, President Marcos Jr., in connection with the alleged corruption involving government infrastructure projects.

Barzaga also posted on his Facebook account photos showing him wearing a military uniform while making political statements, a possible breach of Republic Act 7077 or the Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act, which prohibits partisanship and unauthorized use of military insignia.

“He was insinuating sedition with an attached photo of him in military uniform. Such statements endanger the Armed Forces’ position as a non-partisan organization,” Dema-ala said.