Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga believed the 60-day suspension imposed on him by the House Ethics and Privileges Committee could set a dangerous precedent for how lawmakers’ online activity is judged in the future.

In a statement on Monday, Barzaga criticized Ethics Committee members Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno and Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima, saying the ruling against him goes beyond personal accountability and opens the door to potential political retaliation against critics of any administration.

“Congressman Diokno and Congresswoman De Lima of the Ethics Committee fail to understand that this case will set a precedence for future ethics cases on online expression,” Barzaga said in a statement.

RH Milky Rigonan reported, according to Barzaga, the committee’s interpretation of its authority may now be used by future administrations—especially those enjoying a congressional supermajority—to stifle dissent.

“Any administration may now use the interpretations of the ethics committee, which is not subjected to the due process normally given under the court of law, in order to silence critics once they have a supermajority in Congress,” he said.

Barzaga further argued that the committee’s move implies lawmakers may now be punished for actions committed even before assuming office.

“Any Congressman may now be reprimanded, suspended, or expelled for any actions they may have made prior to their proclamation and assumption of office, as evidence was presented in my case,” he added.

He also accused some majority bloc members, particularly Diokno and De Lima of prioritizing political interests over the integrity of Congress.

“They prioritized their parties’ and Senator Hontiveros’ short-term political interests over the integrity of the institution as a whole,” Barzaga said.

Although the House found his social media posts “unethical,” Barzaga noted that the committee did not rule them as falsehoods.

Barzaga’s suspension stemmed from what the committee described as questionable social media posts and conduct unbecoming of a public official.

However, it declined to rule on allegations of inciting to sedition, saying the matter should be left to the courts. Barzaga currently faces a sedition complaint filed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) .