National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director, Atty. Melvin Matibag files a complaint Tuesday morning before the House Ethics Committee against Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco Barzaga for making unverified claims in his social media post following the shooting incident at the Senate on May 13, 2026, among others alleging that NBI personnel went into the Senate for an assassination attempt against some of the senators.
THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday asked the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges to investigate Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga over social media posts made during the recent shooting incident at the Senate.
The agency said Barzaga may also face criminal charges for allegedly spreading false information that implicated NBI personnel and fueled speculation that bureau agents were involved in an assassination attempt against senators.
The complaint was personally filed by NBI Director Melvin Matibag, who said Barzaga’s posts and livestreams falsely suggested that NBI agents had entered the Senate to carry out an attack on some lawmakers.
Interviewed after filing the complaint, Matibag stressed that the move was not driven by personal considerations but by the NBI’s duty to defend its personnel and institutional integrity.
“I’m filing it not on my personal position but I’m filing it on behalf of the men and women of the NBI,” he said.
Matibag said the bureau validated nine posts from Barzaga’s account that allegedly linked NBI personnel to the supposed plot.
“There are nine posts na-trace namin sa account niya. It was validated that this is his account. He’s somehow accusing the members of the NBI pumasok sa Senate to attempt an assassination to some of the senators,” he said.
The NBI chief said the bureau is also preparing criminal complaints against Barzaga, citing possible violations of Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes the publication of false information, as well as other offenses still under review.
“May violation under Revised Penal Code Article 154, publishing an untrue statement. Tapos we’re reviewing inciting to sedition also. Also he can be liable under the Code of Ethics of Government Officials. So patong-patong na kaso ang pwede niyang harapin,” Matibag said.
He added that the NBI expects to complete its review and file the criminal complaints within the next week.
Matibag also said he believes Barzaga’s actions warrant the strongest disciplinary action available under House rules.
“You ask me if I want him to be expelled, I think there’s enough basis for him to be expelled from the Congress,” he said.
Rejecting suggestions that the complaint could infringe on freedom of expression, Matibag argued that constitutional rights do not shield conduct that may constitute a criminal offense.
“Well, it doesn’t fall under the freedom of expression. ‘Pag gumawa ka ng krimen. Alam niyo kasi ‘yung freedom of expression may limitation ‘yan. That is a right guaranteed by the Constitution but there is a law that governs also every right,” Matibag pointed out.
“Pagka kriminal na ‘yung ginagawa mong behavior, it no longer falls under the freedom of expression.”
The ethics complaint comes amid heightened scrutiny over online statements and misinformation surrounding the Senate incident.
The House ethics panel will determine whether disciplinary action against Barzaga is warranted, while any criminal complaint filed by the NBI would first undergo preliminary investigation before prosecutors.
