Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga has lodged an ethics complaint against House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno, citing “acts constituting misconduct unbecoming of a Member of the House of Representatives.” The complaint, dated September 23, also alleged a “pattern of conduct” violating the 1987 Constitution, Republic Act 6713, and established jurisprudence.
Barzaga told reporters that the complaint partly stemmed from Puno’s remarks touching on mental health. “Mental health is a very—especially calling someone unwell. Mental is a very sensitive topic, and it’s also one that one cannot speak on without necessary professional ability,” he said. He also accused Puno of using the House ethics committee to suppress dissent against former Speaker Martin Romualdez, saying such actions go against the principles of democracy and free speech.
The lawmaker further argued that Puno used old photos involving private individuals to build a case against him. He stressed these posts were made legally before he assumed his current position in Congress.
Puno, for his part, told ABS-CBN News that he will respond only if a complaint is officially submitted to the ethics committee and “according to the procedure they will prescribe.”
The deputy speaker earlier announced his intention to pursue an ethics case against Barzaga, citing “lewd content” on social media and criticisms directed at government officials. Barzaga said he has already consulted with his legal team and is prepared to face any such complaint.
Apart from the ethics battle, Barzaga said he is studying the possibility of filing charges against Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla over the violent dispersal of a protest in Mendiola, claiming that video evidence contradicts the official statement of zero casualties.
He also called on newly installed House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III to step down, questioning Dy’s closeness to Romualdez and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “It comes to question whether or not his plan for the 2026 budget will be beneficial to the Filipino people or whether or not they will serve the interest of former speaker Romualdez and President Marcos,” Barzaga said.
When asked who could replace Dy, Barzaga admitted he hoped to take the position himself but also mentioned Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco as a strong alternative, noting Tiangco was among the first to openly criticize Romualdez. “We’re getting the numbers. Back then, it was one or two. Now, it’s three or four,” Barzaga added.
