By Jose Cielito Reganit | Philippine News Agency
The House of Representatives on Tuesday voted 265-14 with eight abstentions to adopt the Committee on Ethics and Privileges’ recommendation to expel Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga after finding him guilty of disorderly behavior, conduct unbecoming of a member, and violations of the House Code of Conduct.
The expulsion followed the approval of a committee report arising from a complaint filed by Deputy Speaker Janette Garin of Iloilo, who accused Barzaga of repeatedly disrupting House proceedings, engaging in discourteous conduct toward fellow lawmakers, and using social media content that, according to the committee, undermined the dignity and integrity of the institution.
The Ethics Committee concluded that Barzaga violated Sections 141(a) and (b) of the House Rules, which require members to act in a manner that reflects creditably on the House and to adhere to both the spirit and letter of its rules.
It also found that his conduct fell short of the professionalism required under Republic Act (RA) 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
“The Committee approved a recommendation to impose the penalty of expulsion from office on Barzaga pursuant to Section 16, paragraph 3, Article VI of the Constitution, Section 142, Rule XX of the Rules of the House of Representatives, and Section 52(b)(5), Rule IX of the Committee Rules,” the committee report sponsored by 4PS Party-list Rep. JC Abalos said.
In recommending the ultimate penalty of expulsion, the committee cited Barzaga’s disciplinary record, noting that he had already been penalized twice with 60-day suspensions and continued behavior that reflected negatively on the House.
“The Committee considers that another penalty of suspension will not likely deter the improper behavior, which continuously reflects negatively on the image of the House of Representatives,” the report stated.
“After deliberation on the case, the Committee found Rep. Francisco ‘Kiko’ A. Barzaga of the Fourth District of Cavite to have committed disorderly behavior and conduct unbecoming of a Member of the House of Representatives.”
The controversy stemmed from several incidents in September 2025, including social media videos posted by Barzaga featuring altered images of House leaders, live-streaming from inside the session hall, sarcastic commentary directed at fellow lawmakers, and conduct that the committee characterized as disruptive and disrespectful toward parliamentary proceedings.
While Barzaga argued that his actions were protected political expression and occurred during suspended sessions rather than active proceedings, the committee rejected his defense.
The ethics panel ruled that House members are expected to uphold standards of decorum and professionalism at all times within the institution, regardless of whether a session is formally in progress.
“The session hall represents statesmanship; it is not a place for unruly or disorderly conduct,” the committee emphasized in its findings.
The report further stressed that the House possesses the constitutional authority to discipline its own members, including the power to impose suspension or expulsion for disorderly behavior under Article VI, Section 16(3) of the Constitution.
The expulsion marks one of the rare instances in Philippine congressional history where the House has exercised its constitutional power to remove one of its own members for conduct deemed incompatible with the responsibilities of legislative office.
With the House having acted on the Ethics Committee’s recommendation, Barzaga ceases to be a member of the House of Representatives, subject to any further legal remedies available under the law.
