ABS-CBN
House ethics chair says sanction vs Barzaga not an attack against admin critics
House Ethics Committee Chairperson JC Abalos clarified that the suspension of Cavite Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga was due to alleged ethical violations and "conduct unbecoming of a member," specifically citing "inappropriate", "indecent", and "incendiary social media posts" that included "lewd photos" and calls to burn Congress, not for criticizing the Marcos administration.
Abalos stressed that the sanctions were not an attack against critics and emphasized that the freedom of speech is a constitutionally protected right.
He differentiated between genuine criticism of the government and disorderly behavior, stating that Barzaga's actions were unrelated to public policy.
The committee chair also pointed out that the House has a history of allowing vocal critics of administrations to express their views without facing suspension.
Vice President Sara Duterte had claimed Barzaga's suspension was an effort to silence uncomfortable truths.
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Cavite Fourth District Rep. Kiko Barzaga has been suspended for 60 days without pay and privileges by the House of Representatives for disorderly behavior and inciting sedition through social media posts.
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Vice President Sara Duterte criticized the 60-day suspension of Cavite Representative Kiko Barzaga by the House of Representatives, asserting it's a tactic to silence government critics.
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