IN one of the most consequential disciplinary actions in recent congressional history, the House of Representatives on Tuesday voted 265 against 14 and eight abstentions to expel Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga after adopting the recommendation of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which found 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) No. 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
“The Committee approves to recommend the imposition of the most severe penalty of expulsion from office upon Representative Kiko Barzaga, pursuant to Section 16, Paragraph 3, Article 6 of the Constitution, Section 142, Rule 20 of the Rules of the House of Representatives, and Section 52.B.5, Rule 9 of the Committee Rules. Madam Speaker, let this report serve as a firm reminder that while opinions may differ and expressions may vary, the sanctity of the legislative process and respect for the Filipino people we represent must remain absolute. I urge my distinguished colleagues to approve this Committee report,” 4PS Party-list Rep. JC M. Abalos told the plenary.
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 still continued behavior that reflected negatively on the House. The panel said a further suspension would no longer serve as an effective deterrent.
“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 Committee said Barzaga violated Section 141(a) and (b), Rule XX of the House Rules, and Section 4(A)(b) of Republic Act No. 6713.
The Committee noted that Barzaga had previously been penalized with two separate 60-day suspensions. It said another suspension would likely not deter the improper behavior, which it said continues to reflect negatively on the image of the House of Representatives,” the committee report said.
The controversy stemmed from several incidents in September 2025, including social media videos posted by Barzaga that featured 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 of 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. It 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 imposing suspension or expulsion for disorderly behavior under Article VI, Section 16(3) of the Constitution.
“In laying our father to rest, I opted to thank those who criticized and even celebrated in his passing, stating that such would fuel our family to live and lead according to how our parents raised us. Today, with great conviction, I state to Cong. Kiko Barzaga that your legacy of ineptitude, irresponsibility, and disrespect would indeed serve as a lesson to the entire Filipino people and to your colleagues in the House of Representatives, that we deserve competent leaders. The House of Representatives is not a playground where whims trump the work that we are tasked to do,” Antipolo City Rep. Philip Acop, a member of the National Unity Party (NUP).
“The House of Representatives must uphold standards of conduct worthy of the trust, respect, and confidence of the Filipino people. Kung ibang kapulungan ay nagtatakipan ng kabalbalan, kailangan nating ipakita sa taongbayan na sa House of Representatives kaya nating disiplinahin ang sarili nating hanay. For these reasons, I respectfully express my full support for the immediate expulsion of Congressman Barzaga from the House of Representatives,” Manila Rep. Rolando Valeriano, a stalwart of the NUP, for his part said.
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 recommendation, Barzaga ceases to be a member of the House of Representatives, subject to any further legal remedies that may be available under law.
