A group of lawmakers affiliated with the National Unity Party (NUP) has asked the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges to order a comprehensive fitness determination for Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga before he is allowed to return to legislative work.
Through counsel, the complainants submitted a Manifestation and Motion on December 8, arguing that a review is necessary to protect institutional standards following Barzaga’s 60-day suspension. The filing was made before the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges and cites concerns about conduct during the period of suspension.
The request follows a December 1, 2025 vote in which 249 members of the House found Barzaga guilty of disorderly behavior and imposed the suspension. The complainants, who had earlier lodged an ethics complaint, said the new motion does not seek an additional penalty but asks the committee to exercise its supervisory and fact-finding authority to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place prior to a member’s return.
In a statement accompanying the filing, the group said Barzaga continued to publish “inflammatory and disorderly content” online despite the sanction, using accounts identified as official. They said the posts “reflect discreditably upon the House and undermine the ethical standards expected of Members of Congress.”
Among the examples cited were posts they described as mocking the late Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo “Romy” Acop, ridiculing tributes made after his death, and remarks they characterized as objectifying women. The complainants said these actions raise questions about readiness to perform legislative duties consistent with the House Code of Conduct.
“The Motion is anchored on the House’s constitutional authority to discipline its Members under Article VI, Section 16(3) of the Constitution, and on the Committee’s continuing jurisdiction over matters affecting conduct, dignity, and institutional integrity under the House Rules,” the statement read.
The filing also specifies the scope of the review being sought, saying a comprehensive fitness determination would assess whether Barzaga is “physically, mentally, emotionally, and behaviorally prepared to discharge the duties of a Member of Congress in a manner consistent with the House Code of Conduct.”
The disputed posts include messages Barzaga published in December 2025 after Acop’s death. On December 21, he wrote: “Congressman Romeo Acop’s death will not stop him from facing justice, he must be investigated for his involvement in the Flood Control Corruption.” Ten days later, reacting to claims by Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste about a P2-million “Christmas bonus” for some lawmakers, Barzaga posted: “Mali si Congressman Leviste, hindi lahat ng Congressman may 2m Christmas bonus, ako wala dahil suspended, at si Congressman Acop wala dahil nasa impyerno.”
After the suspension was approved, Barzaga publicly addressed circulating claims about his mental health, saying he had not been diagnosed with any condition that would impair his ability to serve. He also defended his online commentary, which frequently targets the administration, stating: “I will stop posting when they declare our democratic right to criticize the government is unconstitutional or illegal.”
Malacañang earlier criticized Barzaga’s online activity, saying he was invoking President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to justify what it described as disinformation campaigns, and pointed as well to criticism over his posting of what officials called “lewd photos.”
Barzaga had already severed ties with the National Unity Party after being accused of soliciting signatures to unseat then-House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. In September 2025, he publicly declared his intention to pursue the House speakership himself.
