Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga has switched political affiliations, enlisting in Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) weeks after being expelled from the National Unity Party.
The oath-taking was held Wednesday at PDP-Laban’s headquarters in Sta. Mesa, Manila, with party officials Joy Encabo, Penny Belmonte, Yvette Contacto, and JV Frech Marigondon presiding over the ceremony. Barzaga was among several individuals who formally joined the party that day.
PDP Deputy National Spokesman Ferdinand Topacio framed the congressman’s entry as a gain for a party fighting what it characterizes as entrenched corruption in the legislature. “He has shown exceptional and admirable principles of nationalism and the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of overwhelming resistance from the majority in the House which is trying to cover up unprecedented levels of corruption and dysfunctional governance,” Topacio said, calling Barzaga a “perfect fit” for the organization.
The announcement was confirmed through a Facebook post bearing the hashtag “#Duterte2028” — a reference to former president Rodrigo Duterte, under whose banner PDP-Laban operates.
Barzaga’s departure from the NUP follows an ethics complaint filed against him alleging “conduct unbecoming of a lawmaker,” which led to his expulsion from the party where his late father, former Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, had been a prominent figure.
