Metro Manila, Philippines – The House of Representatives on Wednesday, Feb. 4, suspended Cavite Rep. Francisco Barzaga for another 60 days without pay for “repeated, escalating misconduct.”
The House adopted the recommendations of the ethics committee, the second for the neophyte lawmaker.
“It appears that reform was not forthcoming for Representative Barzaga, who has again demonstrated utter contempt for institutional standards,” 4PS party-list Rep. JC Abalos, ethics panel chair, told the plenary.
“The malicious commentaries made against his colleagues are indeed conduct incompatible with the dignity expected of a legislator, even using his social media account with his official title congressman,” Abalos said.
He said the penalty included again a “stern warning” that repetition of another misconduct would warrant more severe actions, including expulsion from office.
Barzaga was present in plenary and was told his suspension will be “effective immediately.”
Social media content
Barzaga had served a two-month suspension that ended on Jan. 30 for disorderly behavior over “incendiary” social media content.
In that period, he said on social media that National Unity Party lawmakers received bribes from ports magnate Enrique Razon Jr. to support Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez as speaker in the 20th Congress.
Razon, House Deputy Speaker and NUP chairman Ronaldo Puno, and Manila Rep. Rolando Valeriano had filed separate cyber libel complaints against Barzaga.
Barzaga also posted malicious remarks against the late Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop, which the ethics committee described as “scornful and disparaged the name of the dead.”
These two issues were brought up in a privilege speech by Valeriano, an NUP member, which was referred to the ethics panel.
Barzaga was a no-show during the committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3. He posted on Facebook that he would snub any summons.
Barzaga is the eldest son of the late Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., a long-time NUP president.
Some who opposed the Cavite legislator’s suspension cited possible violation on the freedom of speech and supposedly superseding the will of voters. Supporters included the Dutertes and House Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice.
“There are lingering questions regarding members of this House violating conflicts of interest, congtractors, congtraders selling projects, yet we have not acted on them. In fact, we have tolerated them,” Erice said in plenary.
“What message would it send if we suspend those who fight corruption while allowing those who commit to remain untouched in this house?” he said.
