The National Unity Party (NUP) is pushing for the possible expulsion of Dasmariñas City Rep. Francisco Barzaga from the House of Representatives, even as it prepares to file separate charges against him outside Congress, party chairman and Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno of Antipolo City said yesterday.
“So I think it demeans the House to have somebody like him there,” Puno said in a press conference. “It may also be the House will consider expelling him to get rid of such a problem.”
“Baka puwedeng i-expel na lang natin ’yan kasi it doesn’t look as if there’s going to be any end to this problem unless he is removed,” he said.
At the same time, Puno said Barzaga may face over 40 libel complaints following the latter’s statement alleging that lawmakers were bribed by businessman Enrique Razon to secure support for former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Earlier, Puno strongly condemned the latest social media posts and public statements made by Barzaga, accusing Members of the NUP of having received bribes, describing the allegations as baseless, reckless, and malicious.
Barzaga alleged, among others, that NUP Congressmen received bribes from businessman Razon, to support Romualdez during the 2025 elections.
With Barzaga’s continued statements and actions, Puno said the NUP is now considering filing a new complaint that could ask for the congressman’s outright expulsion.
“We might even file a new complaint because what happened here repeatedly seems to be ignoring the decisions of the Ethics Committee, Congressman Barzaga is ignoring the decisions of Congress,” he said.
Puno said the party intends to include Barzaga’s controversial demeaning post about the late Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop.
“Oh yes, definitely [we will include]. Definitely,” Puno said.
Puno said the party has yet to receive a response from the House Committee on Ethics on the fitness determination it earlier sought against Barzaga.
“Nothing yet, because we don’t have sessions yet. Maybe I expected maybe by the 26th [of January] that way, their answer might come out there,” Puno said.
Puno accused Barzaga of acting in bad faith and repeatedly making accusations that, he said, have no basis.
“And then he is in bad faith because he follows and then he doesn’t, then he comes up, inventing something. This is not the behavior of a true lawmaker. It’s like it’s just a game,” said Puno.
Beyond possible sanctions within the House, Puno said the party is also preparing to take legal action outside Congress, particularly over statements he said constitute a personal affront to NUP members.
“Hindi pareho ’yung gagawin doon. Kasi kahit i-file mo sa korte, hindi naman action ’yun ng Congress (It’s not the same thing to do there. Because even if you file it in court, that is not an action of Congress),” he said. “So I think we will file both.”
Puno stressed that suspension is no longer enough, noting that Barzaga’s actions have continued despite previous sanctions.
