The House of Representatives Committee on Ethics yesterday suspended Cavite Fourth District Rep. Kiko Barzaga for 60 days after finding him guilty of disorderly conduct.
The panel, chaired by Rep. JC Abalos of 4Ps Party-list, recommended suspension without benefits of salaries and allowances for Barzaga.
The committee also warned the 27-year-old lawmaker that a repeat of his misconduct would result in a more severe disciplinary action.
It was House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno and several other members of the National Unity Party who filed an ethics complaint against Barzaga over alleged misconduct, inciting seditious activity, posting lewd content, and flaunting wealth.
Barzaga, meanwhile, said that he respects the decision of the House ethics panel and that sanctions against him “were expected.”
But he continued to insist that he did not violate the Code of Conduct of the House of Representatives. Under House Rules, sanctions range from censure, reprimand, suspension to expulsion.
In its decision, the Abalos panel also ordered Barzaga to remove social media posts — which were the subject of the complaint — within 24 hours.
Barzaga is the eldest son of the late Elpidio Barzaga Jr., who served as a representative of Dasmariñas City for several terms, and was one of the founders of the NUP.
