A fresh ethics case against Cavite Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga is being considered and could prolong his current suspension—or escalate into more serious action—according to Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre.
Acidre said the conduct attributed to Barzaga after his suspension was imposed may be treated as a separate issue, opening the door to another complaint. “Definitely, what he did after his first suspension was imposed will be taken into consideration should a second ethics complaint be filed,” he said during a Saturday news forum.
Barzaga has been barred from House duties for 60 days starting December, following a complaint initiated by members of the National Unity Party (NUP). The case stemmed from Barzaga’s public claim that NUP lawmakers accepted bribes in exchange for supporting the reelection of former Speaker Martin Romualdez for the 20th Congress.
The House cited several grounds for the penalty, including failure to uphold conduct befitting a member of Congress, actions deemed contrary to law and public policy, and behavior considered prejudicial to the service and inciting seditious activity.
“The suspension will be until, if I’m not mistaken, the first week of February,” Acidre said.
He added that NUP leaders are weighing their next move, noting that the issue may not be confined to internal discipline. “I heard yesterday that they have the intention of filing because the last thing he said was ‘see you in court.’ This could be more than just an ethics complaint, possibly also legal action against suspended Congressman Kiko Barzaga,” Acidre said.
Earlier, NUP chair and Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno said a second complaint is being discussed that could result in a longer suspension or even removal from the House.
“We will bring it up to Congress to consider. Maybe we should just have him expelled because it seems there is not going to be any end to this problem unless he is removed,” Puno said, adding that Barzaga had continued “mocking Congress.”
