Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga speaks at the plenary hall of the House of Representatives in Quezon City during a recent session. The chamber voted to suspend him for 60 days over conduct related to his social media posts. (Photo courtesy of Rep. Kiko Barzaga’s social media account)
The House of Representatives suspended Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga for 60 days without pay after finding his social media posts inappropriate and disorderly.
MANILA – The House of Representatives has suspended Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga for 60 days without salary and allowances after determining that a series of posts on his Facebook pages constituted disorderly behavior and breached the standards expected of a member of Congress.
The plenary adopted the recommendation of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges through a vote of 249 to 5, with 11 abstentions. The penalty bars Barzaga from attending sessions and committee hearings but does not remove him from office.
Ethics panel cites inappropriate and unprofessional content
In its report, the ethics committee said approximately 24 posts on Barzaga’s personal and official pages featured content it described as inappropriate, indecent or unprofessional. The committee said several images were considered lewd or appeared to display ostentatious wealth, while others included remarks the panel viewed as inflammatory. The report concluded that the posts violated Section 141(a), Rule 20 of the House Rules and Section 4(c) of Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Committee chair Rep. JC Abalos said the posts reflected poorly on the institution and did not meet the standards of conduct expected of lawmakers. Abalos noted that Barzaga had been cautioned previously about the content and that the failure to remove the posts earlier contributed to the committee’s finding of disorderly behavior.
The House directed Barzaga to delete the flagged posts within 24 hours of the vote and stated that repeat violations could result in harsher sanctions. Expulsion remains the most severe penalty under the House rules.
Barzaga complies but raises free speech concerns
Barzaga confirmed that he deleted the posts shortly after the plenary action. He accepted the suspension but said the case raises broader questions about free expression and the appropriate limits on online speech for public officials.
Several lawmakers from the minority and independent blocs expressed concern that the ruling could discourage dissent within the chamber. They argued that disciplinary actions involving social media must be applied consistently to avoid perceptions of selective enforcement. The committee’s report, however, focused solely on the nature and tone of the posts and did not cite Barzaga’s political views.
House leadership and Palace deny political pressure
Abalos said the decision was based on conduct, not on Barzaga’s criticisms of the House leadership or the administration. He said the panel distinguished between legitimate political expression and content considered indecent or unbecoming for an elected official.
Malacañang also said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had no involvement in the proceedings and noted that disciplinary matters remain internal to the House.
