A Manila lawmaker is pushing for tougher sanctions against Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga, citing what he described as continued violations of House rules despite the congressman being under suspension.
Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano of the National Unity Party said he plans to seek a new suspension during the next hearing of the House ethics committee—this time without pay—after alleging that Barzaga persisted in acts prohibited under Section 141, or Rule 20, of the House Rules.
Valeriano said the supposed defiance was carried out through Barzaga’s official congressional platforms, which he argued amounted to violations committed while sanctions were already in effect. He added that the matter required immediate action, saying the earlier penalty had not deterred the conduct.
According to Valeriano, Barzaga’s actions during the suspension period ran counter to the restrictions imposed by the chamber, prompting him to ask for a stiffer penalty “to teach him a lesson.” He said the violations were “continued,” warranting escalation of disciplinary measures.
The renewed push for sanctions follows Barzaga’s earlier social media posts accusing lawmakers affiliated with the NUP of taking bribes from businessman Enrique Razon ahead of the 2025 elections in exchange for backing then–House Speaker Martin Romualdez—an accusation Valeriano dismissed as a “huge lie.”
Those posts triggered separate cyber libel complaints against Barzaga filed by Valeriano, House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno, and Razon. Valeriano also pointed to additional online statements in which Barzaga accused the late lawmaker Romeo Acop of involvement in flood control corruption.
Barzaga, for his part, said he would present evidence in court to back his bribery allegations. He also maintained his criticisms of Acop, arguing that death does not shield a public official’s actions from scrutiny, and said he was no longer a member of the NUP and therefore not bound by the party’s standards.
In December last year, the House of Representatives imposed a 60-day suspension on Barzaga after finding him guilty of disorderly behavior linked to what it described as “reckless” and “inflammatory” social media posts, with a warning that repeat offenses would draw heavier penalties.
A congressional panel has since been authorized to hold hearings, evaluate Barzaga’s conduct during the suspension period, and submit its findings and recommendations to the plenary.
