Deputy Speaker and Antipolo City 1st District Rep. Ronaldo Puno said a new ethics complaint is being prepared against suspended Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco Barzaga, this time seeking his removal from the House of Representatives over continued public attacks against the chamber.
Speaking during a virtual press briefing on Friday, Puno said Barzaga’s conduct has persisted despite a suspension imposed in December for “disorderly conduct” linked to social media posts. He argued that the lawmaker’s behavior shows no sign of stopping.
“He is mocking Congress, so I think we will bring it up to Congress to consider it. Maybe we can expel him because it doesn’t look as if there’s going to be any end to this problem unless he is removed,” Puno said.
Beyond the ethics case, Puno said members of the National Unity Party are also moving toward legal action. He said at least 40 party members, himself included, intend to file additional libel complaints over Barzaga’s statements alleging that the party accepted bribes from ports magnate Enrique Razon to support then-speaker Martin Romualdez.
Razon has already lodged a P110-million libel suit against Barzaga in Makati City. Addressing his own ties to the businessman, Puno said Razon had assisted him during the formation of earlier political groups and later during the establishment of the NUP.
“He advises me on who to talk to. If I don’t know the person, he will call and introduce me,” Puno said, noting that they speak roughly once a month.
“And we only meet if I am given the chance to meet him to consult about different things,” he added.
Puno described Barzaga’s allegations as “disheartening” and “sad,” saying the controversy has become a continuing disruption rather than an isolated dispute. He also said the party is considering dissolving its Dasmariñas chapter, adding that local leadership should rest with the sitting district representative.
Barzaga, in a Facebook post, said he would accept a possible expulsion only if “those involved in the flood control anomalies will face the same consequences.”
Puno also addressed speculation about instability within the House leadership, saying he remains firmly behind Speaker Faustino Dy III and has no interest in pursuing the speakership, adding that Dy’s leadership is “stable and secure.”
