The House of Representatives expelled Kiko Barzaga from his post.
Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga was expelled by the House of Representatives, with a vote of 265-14-8.
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted 265-14, with eight abstentions, to approve the recommendation of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges to expel Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco ‘Kiko’ Barzaga. The decision followed a series of suspensions and the panel’s findings that he committed disorderly behavior, engaged in conduct unbecoming of a lawmaker, and violated the House Code of Conduct.
More than two-thirds of the House supported the House ethics panel’s recommendation in Committee Report No. 298 that Barzaga should be expelled from the lower chamber for actions deemed unbecoming of a member of the House.
Fourteen voted against it, while eight abstained.
“Rep. Barzaga engaged in a pattern of highly disruptive, discourteous, and disorderly behavior that directly obstructed plenary sessions and desecrated parliamentary solemnity,” 4Ps Rep. JC Abalos stated.
According to the committee, Barzaga’s violations included repeatedly interrupting plenary proceedings, making loud disruptions, distracting fellow lawmakers during legislative deliberations, and openly ridiculing the chamber’s leadership.
Barzaga had also been suspended twice for 60 days due to social media posts, wherein he made allegations against fellow legislators and senior government officials.
Although Barzaga maintained that his actions constituted protected political speech and were carried out during suspended sessions rather than official proceedings, the committee dismissed his argument.
The panel emphasized that House members are expected to observe proper decorum and professionalism at all times within the institution, regardless of whether a session is formally underway.
It was also stressed that the House has the constitutional authority to discipline its own members, which included the power to suspend or expel for disorderly behavior under Article VI, Section 16(3) of the Constitution.
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