In a bold and sarcastic Facebook post that stirred the political pot anew, Dasmariñas Rep. Kiko Barzaga said, “Baka una pa pala ako makulong kay Romualdez at Zaldy Co nyahahahaha,” taking a jab at House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former House Appropriations Chair Zaldy Co—both of whom have been linked to the growing scandal over alleged corruption in flood control projects.
Barzaga’s post comes just hours after the National Unity Party (NUP), his former political home, announced it would file an ethics complaint against him. NUP Chairperson Ronaldo Puno accused Barzaga of engaging in behavior that was “inappropriate” and damaging to public trust—particularly his alleged attempts to rally support for unseating Romualdez as House Speaker.
The ethics complaint is also expected to cite Barzaga’s alleged vulgar and offensive posts on social media—adding further tension to a House already rattled by scandal and power struggles.
Barzaga, who recently resigned from NUP and bolted from the majority bloc, allegedly stormed into the office of House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos to pitch his own bid for the speakership. According to Puno, Barzaga reportedly promised positions of power to lawmakers who would support him.
“The majority leader was shocked, but being the gentleman that he is, he just let it go,” Puno said. “Then in the session, [Barzaga] went around campaigning to be Speaker, saying he is going to declare all seats vacant.”
The young lawmaker’s defiant post, now viral, adds fuel to a political firestorm already lit by explosive testimonies before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. Contractors Pacifico and Sarah Discaya accused lawmakers—including Romualdez and Zaldy Co—of receiving kickbacks amounting to 10% to 25% of contract values from flood control projects, some of which were dubbed “ghost” or substandard initiatives.
Romualdez has denied any involvement, calling the claims “false” and “malicious.” Zaldy Co has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the accusations.
Barzaga, whose late father Elpidio Barzaga Jr. co-founded NUP, has remained undeterred—frequently criticizing Romualdez, Senate President Tito Sotto, and even President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in recent public statements.
