The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly on June 2, 2026, to expel Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco Barzaga, marking the severest disciplinary action the chamber can impose. The decision came after a 265–14 vote, with eight abstentions, adopting a report from the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges that found Barzaga guilty of conduct unbecoming and disorderly behavior.
Previous Suspensions and Final Penalty
The ethics committee noted that Barzaga had already been suspended twice, each for a period of 60 days. However, his continued misconduct prompted lawmakers to pursue expulsion. Committee Chairman and 4Ps party-list Representative Jonathan Clement Abalos stated, “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.”
Link to NBI Complaint
The case was also tied to an ethics complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The NBI accused Barzaga of posting social media content that allegedly implicated the bureau in a supposed assassination attempt related to a recent Senate shooting incident. NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed, “We filed a complaint against Congressman Barzaga sa Ethics Committee and are requesting for an investigation and eventually disciplinary actions to be taken against him.”
The NBI identified at least nine posts from Barzaga’s account that contained the allegations. Matibag added, “There are nine posts that we traced from his account. It was validated as his account.” The bureau denied the accusations made in the posts.
Barzaga’s expulsion is final and bars him from returning to the House, underscoring the chamber’s commitment to upholding ethical standards.
