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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Puno denies Barzaga claim that Razon bribed NUP; vows legal action

Puno denies Barzaga claim that Razon bribed NUP; vows legal action

Published Jan 13, 2026 11:15 am  |  Updated Jan 13, 2026 01:01 pm

At A Glance

  • "We will see him in court." This was House Deputy Speaker Antipolo City 1st district Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno's stern message to the suspended Cavite 4th district Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga on Tuesday, Jan. 13 following the latter's lattest inflammatory Facebook post, this time concerning the National Unity Party (NUP).
Cavite 4th district Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga (left), Antipolo City 1st district Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno (Facebook, PPAB)
Cavite 4th district Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga (left), Antipolo City 1st district Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno (Facebook, PPAB)


“We will see him in court."
This was House Deputy Speaker Antipolo City 1st district Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno's stern message to the suspended Cavite 4th district Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga on Tuesday, Jan. 13 following the latter's latest inflammatory Facebook post, this time concerning the National Unity Party (NUP).
In a statement, Puno, chairman of the NUP, slammed Barzaga for alleging that NUP congressmen received bribes from businessman Enrique Razon, to support former House Speaker Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez during the May 2025 elections.
Puno called "congressmeow" Barzaga's claims "baseless, reckless, and malicious".
“The Speaker (Romualdez) ran unopposed [in his district]. There was no contest. To claim that bribes were paid in a situation where there was no contest at all defies logic,” Puno said.
The deputy speaker further condemned the sweeping nature of the allegations, and that Barzaga this time chose to malign the entire party, and not just a single individual. Ironically, the latter is a former member of NUP.
“He chose to malign all members of the NUP, a party once led by his own father and one that he himself joined. To turn around and accuse the NUP of criminal conduct, without evidence, shows a reckless and deeply irresponsible contempt for the truth,” Puno said.
He confirmed that he will be taking legal action in response to Barzaga’s allegations. “I will be filing cases against him Other NUP members who were similarly maligned will be filing their own cases as well.”
Puno underscored that the matter will now be resolved through proper legal channels.
The NUP--the second largest party in the House of Representatives in terms of membership--said it stands by its members and will pursue available legal remedies in response to the allegations.
It added that the statements attributed to Barzaga have prompted the party and its members to take steps to protect their rights and reputations, and to seek accountability through the appropriate legal channels.
Barzaga--known for his eccentricity and rage-baiting ways--is serving a two-month suspension without pay from an ethics case filed by the NUP.
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