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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Second ethics complaint vs suspended Barzaga is fair game, says solon

Second ethics complaint vs suspended Barzaga is fair game, says solon

Published Jan 18, 2026 02:40 pm

At A Glance

  • Nothing can stop House members from purr-suing a new ethics complaint against "congressmeow" Cavite 4th district Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga, even if he is currently serving a 60-day suspension from his first ethics complaint.
Suspended Cavite 4th district Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga (Facebook)
Suspended Cavite 4th district Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga (Facebook)


Nothing can stop House members from purr-suing a new ethics complaint against "congressmeow" Cavite 4th district Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga even if he is currently serving a 60-day suspension from his first ethics complaint.
This, as Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre cited in a news forum over the weekend the unsavoury actions of the Gen Z solon even after the House plenary adopted the latter's suspension order last Dec. 1.
The possibility of a second complaint surfaced as Deputy Speaker Antipolo City 1st district Rep. Ronaldo Puno, chairman of the National Unity Party (NUP), publicly pushed for stronger disciplinary action against Barzaga, including his potential expulsion from the House.
“The suspension will be until, if I’m not mistaken, the 1st week of February … But I think since na-serve na niya ito, it would necessitate another complaint, kasi na-serve na. Ito yung punishment dun sa earlier niyang actions eh,” said Acidre, Committee on Higher and Technical Education.
(But I think since this has already been served, it would necessitate another complaint, because it’s already been served. This is the punishment for his earlier actions.)
He added that the door remains open for the House to look at Barzaga’s subsequent conduct as a new possible violation, which could justify another round of proceedings and extend his time away from plenary work.
“Unless there’s a new ethics complaint again that would fall (under any violation). But definitely, yung ginawa niya after na-impose ‘yung una niya suspension, will be taken into consideration should a second ethics complaint be filed,” Acidre noted.
(But definitely, what he did after his first suspension was imposed will be taken into consideration should a second ethics complaint be filed.)
During his suspension, Barzaga alleged that NUP lawmakers received bribes from businessman Enrique Razon. The 27-year-old also made a mockery of the late NUP stalwart Antipolo City 2nd district Rep. Romeo Acop's recent death.
Acidre said he had heard that NUP leaders were preparing to move against Barzaga, with the latter's latest inflammatory actions potentially carrying consequences beyond an internal disciplinary case.
“I’ve heard yesterday that they have the intention of filing kasi yung last niyang (Puno) sinabi ‘see you in court’, maybe more than just an ethics complaint, also possible legal action against suspended congressman Kiko Barzaga,” Acidre said.
(I heard yesterday that they intend to file, because Puno's last statement was ‘see you in court’—so maybe more than just an ethics complaint, possibly also legal action against suspended Congressman Kiko Barzaga.)
The NUP was also behind the first case filed against Barzaga before the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges. 
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