Congressman Seeks Tougher Sanctions Against Colleague for Alleged Misconduct
In a significant development within the Philippine House of Representatives, a legislator has formally urged for more severe disciplinary measures against a fellow lawmaker accused of repeatedly breaching parliamentary protocols.
Privilege Speech Highlights Ongoing Issues
During a House plenary session on Tuesday, Manila 2nd District Representative Rolando Valeriano delivered a privilege speech calling for intensified penalties against Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga. Valeriano cited Barzaga's persistent disregard for established House Rules as the primary reason for this demand.
The controversy stems from an online post made by Barzaga, which alleged that members of the National Unity Party (NUP) received bribes from businessman Enrique Razon prior to the 2025 elections. According to the post, these payments were purportedly exchanged for support favoring former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Valeriano strongly denounced this claim, labeling it a significant falsehood that undermines the integrity of the legislative body.
Legal and Ethical Repercussions
This social media activity has already led to formal cyberlibel complaints filed against Barzaga by Valeriano, House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno, and Razon himself. Additionally, Valeriano referenced other online posts by Barzaga that accused former congressman Romeo Acop of involvement in a flood control anomaly, further complicating the ethical landscape.
In response to these actions, Valeriano proposed imposing a new suspension period on Barzaga, which would include the withholding of his allowance and salary. This measure is intended to serve as a corrective lesson for the neophyte lawmaker, emphasizing the importance of adherence to congressional standards and decorum.
Institutional Response and Next Steps
The House has officially referred Valeriano's privilege speech to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for thorough review. The chamber has authorized this panel to conduct detailed hearings and investigations into Barzaga's conduct during his previous suspension period.
- The committee is tasked with examining Barzaga's behavior comprehensively.
- They must prepare a report detailing their findings and recommendations.
- This report will be submitted to the plenary for further consideration and potential action.
Meanwhile, Barzaga has indicated his intention to present evidence related to his bribery allegations in court, suggesting that the legal and parliamentary processes will proceed concurrently.
This situation highlights ongoing tensions within the House and raises important questions about accountability, ethical governance, and the enforcement of rules among elected officials. The outcome of the ethics committee's investigation could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, impacting the legislative environment in the Philippines.
