House Committee on Ethics and Privileges Chairman and 4P's Partylist Representative JC Abalos clarified that Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga was afforded due process despite the plenary’s authority to impose sanctions outright, following Barzaga’s statement that he would not attend the scheduled ethics hearing on the complaint against him.

In an exclusive interview on DZRH’s Isyung Pambayan, Abalos explained that while the Ethics Committee earlier recommended a 60-day suspension, the power to discipline ultimately rests with the House plenary. He noted that as early as last week, lawmakers could have moved to penalize Barzaga immediately after the committee’s recommendation was adopted.

Instead, the plenary opted to return the matter to the Ethics Committee to allow Barzaga the opportunity to respond to the allegations in a formal hearing, underscoring the House’s intent to uphold fairness and transparency in the process.

"Naniniwala po ako fighting for the truth includes appearing and explaining your side and answering allegations against you and we are giving that opportunities to all our members in Congress," said Abalos.

The second ethics complaint, which differs from the first verified complaint, arose from privilege speeches delivered by several lawmakers. The allegations include claims that members of the National Unity Party (NUP) received bribes from businessman Enrique Razon in exchange for political support during the midterm speakership issue, as well as controversial remarks allegedly made by Barzaga involving the late former congressman Romeo Acop. Both parties were asked to submit additional evidence for review.

Addressing Barzaga’s public post declaring he would skip the hearing, Abalos emphasized that the committee’s move was meant to give the respondent a chance to explain his side, even though the plenary already holds the authority to impose sanctions.

The hearing is set for next week, Tuesday, February 3.