Kiko Barzaga calls for Marcos resignation, testing limits of ‘meow’ politics in Congress

Known for his self-styled “Congressmeow” persona, Kiko Barzaga, relaxes with rescued cats in his district and often brings one to the House of Representatives. His animal welfare advocacy is central to his “meow politics,” a mix of humor and sincerity that has defined his Gen Z approach to public service. (Photos courtesy of Kiko Barzaga’s official Facebook page)

One of the youngest members of Congress takes on the establishment, turning his quirky “meow” persona into a symbol of Gen Z defiance and digital-era politics in the Philippines.

MANILA – Cavite Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga’s anti-corruption crusade reached its most confrontational moment on October 4, 2025, when he released a video on his official Facebook page titled “Congressman Barzaga’s Speech on the Call of the People for President Marcos’ Resignation.”

In the post, Barzaga echoed what he described as “the call of the people” for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to step down, framing his message as part of a broader demand for accountability over alleged anomalies in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ flood-control funds.

The video followed an earlier post in which he called for the president’s impeachment, citing what he viewed as the administration’s failure to act decisively on the controversy. Together, the two statements marked a dramatic escalation of his campaign against corruption and positioned the young lawmaker as one of the few voices in Congress openly confronting the chief executive.

The backlash was swift. The Philippine Army Reserve Command recommended Barzaga’s delisting from its roster for what it classified as misconduct after he urged soldiers and reservists to join anti-corruption protests. Within the House, several members filed ethics complaints questioning his conduct and public statements. Both actions remain under review.

The roots of ‘meow’ politics

The phrase “meow politics” traces back to Barzaga’s habit of saying “meow” during plenary sessions, a quirk that began as humor and evolved into his political identity. His followers dubbed him “Congressmeow,” a label he embraced to signal independence from party lines and highlight his animal-welfare advocacy.

Supporters see “meow politics” as a symbol of authenticity and disruption in a chamber known for rigid decorum. Critics dismiss it as trivializing serious debate. Barzaga maintains it is a reminder that lawmakers can be relatable while still confronting corruption and governance failures.

A glimpse of Gen Z politics

Barzaga’s unconventional style reflects a generational shift in government. As one of the first Gen Z lawmakers in the House, he communicates through livestreams, memes, and candid social-media posts that resonate with younger voters. His “meow” persona, for all its eccentricity, has become shorthand for a new kind of political theater that blends rebellion, branding, and authenticity.

Analysts say the approach carries both promise and risk. It challenges long-standing hierarchies but can also blur the line between performance and public service. Political observers note that Barzaga is testing how far personality-driven politics can go in the age of social media.

Heir to a political dynasty

Born on September 12, 1998, Barzaga succeeded his late father, Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga Jr., who held Cavite’s 4th District seat until his death in April 2024. His mother, Jennifer Austria-Barzaga, serves as mayor of Dasmariñas, while his brother, Elpidio “Third,” is vice mayor.

He began his political career as a city councilor in 2019 and was re-elected in 2022. As president of the Philippine Councilors League in Cavite, he gained a seat in the provincial board. In 2025, he won his father’s congressional seat and was appointed Assistant Majority Leader under then Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Breaking away from the majority

Barely months into his first term, Barzaga broke ranks with the National Unity Party and the House majority. In September 2025, he alleged irregularities in flood-control allocations made while Speaker Romualdez was caretaker of his district. Romualdez’s allies denied the claim.

Barzaga also filed an ethics complaint against Deputy Speaker Ronaldo “Ronnie” Puno and abstained from voting when the chamber chose a new Speaker. He later floated Rep. Toby Tiangco as an alternative candidate, signaling his willingness to challenge leadership even while acknowledging that he lacked the numbers to mount a serious bid.

Issues and advocacy

Behind the theatrics lies a policy record that spans populist and progressive causes. Barzaga has called for the reinstatement of the death penalty by firing squad for mass murderers and child rapists and for tougher penalties on animal cruelty and littering.

In September 2025, he stirred debate by proposing the legalization of abortion in cases of rape, a position opposed by conservative blocs in Congress.

He has promoted animal-welfare programs such as “Posadog” and “Posacat” for stray animals and proposed “Meow-lasakit” centers, modeled after the government’s Malasakit clinics, to provide affordable veterinary care.

At the same time, he has emerged as a critic of congressional spending, calling for inquiries into the multibillion-peso flood-control program. No court has ruled on these allegations, and officials implicated in them deny wrongdoing.

Pushback and counterclaims

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson warned that political players may be exploiting the young congressman’s activism. 

In an October 3 Senate press release, Lacson expressed sympathy for Mayor Jenny Barzaga, saying that “evil-mindedness” had led certain camps to use her son “to advance their self-seeking political agenda.” 

He also questioned the resurfacing of an old photo showing him with the Discaya couple, suggesting it was circulated to discredit the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s ongoing investigations. Barzaga has not publicly responded to Lacson’s remarks.

Barzaga’s next test in Congress

Commentators have described Barzaga as a “thorn” in the House,  a restless figure whose antics unsettle his peers but inject rare candor into proceedings. Whether he evolves into a reformist force or remains a viral curiosity will depend on whether his independence matures into institution-building.

For now, one of the country’s youngest lawmakers stands at the intersection of dynasty and disruption, wielding a single word, “meow,” as both challenge and statement. In the noisy halls of power, even the smallest sound can make the loudest echo.