Barzaga to face ethics complaint for House code violation

Metro Manila, Philippines - Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga will face an ethics complaint for violating the House Code of Ethics, the National Unity Party (NUP) said on Monday, Sept. 15.

Barzaga was a member of the NUP until he quit last week after House Deputy Speaker Ronnie Puno implicated him in a supposed ouster plot against Speaker Martin Romualdez. Puno denied accusing Barzaga.

Citing Barzaga’s behavior and his posts on social media, Puno said the lawmaker did not act in a manner that reflects creditably on the House; engaged in acts contrary to law, good morals, customs, and public policy; exhibited conduct that incites seditious activity, and conduct unbecoming a House member.

Puno, NUP chairman, presented screenshots of Barzaga’s posts that showed “lewd” content and “ostentatious” wealth.

“This is out on social media. It demeans women and it offends me personally,” Puno said in a press briefing, showing a “lewd” photo of Barzaga with a woman. “He is using his official website to say these things.”

Presenting Barzaga’s photos holding piles of cash, Puno said: “Ang daming binabatikos dito dahil mga ganyan tungkol sa pera tapos ganyan papayagan namin ‘yan dahil he is not well?”

[Translation: Many of us here are being criticized because of money and we will allow that because he is not well?]

Barzaga said the deputy speaker was “mistaken.”

“I am the one calling for peace. He is too detached from the common people that he became unaware of the lengths an oppressed citizen will go to get justice,” the Cavite lawmaker posted on social media.

Puno also shared that Barzaga has been campaigning as House speaker.