Metro Manila, Philippines – The House committee on ethics and privileges is set to decide on Wednesday, Feb. 4, the possible extension of the suspension of Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga or possible expulsion from office, Manila Rep. Rolando Valeriano said.
In a chance interview on Tuesday, Feb. 3, Valeriano said the House panel will submit its recommendations to the plenary.
The lawmaker earlier filed a resolution seeking to extend Barzaga’s suspension for additional 60 days over what he called “repeated, escalating, and post-suspension misconduct” including his comments about the late Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop after his death.
Valeriano earlier filed a cyberlibel complaint against Barzaga over his posts alleging that National Unity Party members received bribes from business tycoon Enrique Razon.
“Klaro naman na may collatilla ‘yung suspension niya eh, with the stern warning na the repetition of that magdi-deal siya another penalty. Actually ang nakalagay roon severe penalty. So I do not know kung 60 days or expulsion. Severe eh, mas malala dapat doon,” he said in a chance interview after the committee’s closed door hearing.
[Translation: It’s clear that his suspension already had a collateral penalty, with a stern warning that if that is repeated, he will be dealt another penalty. Actually, what’s written there is a severe penalty. So I don’t know whether that means 60 days or expulsion. Since it’s severe, it should be worse than that.]
Barzaga was a no show at the ethics hearing on Wednesday, which discussed the accusations against him.
Valeriano said he was not surprised anymore that the neophyte lawmaker deliberately snubbed the inquiry, citing Barzaga’s post that he intended to ignore the hearing.
Barzaga was suspended on Dec. 1 after being guilty of misconduct in light of his controversial social media posts. It ended on Jan. 30.
