Vice President Sara Duterte has strongly criticized the recent suspension of Cavite Fourth District Representative Kiko Barzaga, framing it as a deliberate attempt by the national government to suppress voices that speak "uncomfortable" truths. The Vice President issued this statement on December 3, 2025, in response to the House of Representatives' decision.
Defending the Right to Dissent
In her declaration, Duterte emphasized that revealing the truth is a fundamental right for every Filipino, a duty especially incumbent upon public servants. She posed a pointed question: if an elected official like Congressman Barzaga can be silenced, what hope do ordinary citizens without power or position have?
The Vice President connected Barzaga's case to a broader pattern of punitive actions against government critics over the past year. She cited the taking of former President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague and the filing of inciting to sedition charges against several individuals, including herself, as examples of this trend.
She argued that in a democratic society like the Philippines, dissent should not be viewed as a threat. The freedom to speak and question, she stressed, is not a privilege granted by the state but a constitutional right that must be protected. Duterte concluded by affirming her solidarity with every Filipino who refuses to be intimidated.
Questions Over Process and Priority
Adding to the criticism, Pwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat (PPP) Representative Harold Duterte labeled the suspension as "troubling", pointing to both the penalty and the manner of its implementation. In a separate statement also dated December 3, 2025, he revealed that the ethics committee report was "quietly" added to the agenda at the last minute, was not listed in the order of business, and that drafts were not distributed before the voting commenced.
Harold Duterte asserted that this lack of transparency and due process should alarm all citizens. He found it problematic that while the nation grapples with significant issues like anomalies in flood control projects and budget insertions, the House prioritized suspending a colleague for "disorderly behavior"—behavior which, he noted, was aimed at highlighting pressing national concerns.
He expressed his preference for standing with those who speak up, even when he disagrees with them, over those who hide behind procedural maneuvers. In a pointed remark, he referred to colleagues who voted for the suspension as "meow meow" and challenged them to explain their priorities to the public.
The Suspension and Barzaga's Response
The House of Representatives officially imposed a 60-day suspension without pay and allowances on Barzaga on December 1, 2025. This action followed the adoption of a recommendation from the ethics and privileges committee regarding a complaint about the lawmaker's "incendiary" social media posts.
The vote was overwhelmingly in favor, with 249 lawmakers supporting the suspension, five voting against, and 11 abstaining. Barzaga was also ordered to delete the contentious posts within 24 hours, which included a lewd photo featuring a woman.
In his response, Barzaga stated he "wholeheartedly" accepted the committee's decision. He suggested that any punishment directed at him and others who stand against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is insignificant compared to the number of lives and futures that would be saved when the President leaves his position.
