Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday raised concerns over the House of Representatives’ decision to suspend Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga for 60 days after finding him guilty of disorderly behavior.

In a statement, Duterte described the suspension as “part of a series of efforts to silence voices that speak uncomfortable truths.”

“This is not the first time that critics of the government have been met with punitive action," Duterte said.

The Vice President compared Barzaga’s suspension to what she described as the “kidnapping” of former President Rodrigo Duterte and the filing of sedition charges against critics of the government.

"In less than a year, we witnessed the kidnapping of a former President and the filing of inciting to sedition charges against several individuals—including myself—simply because we dared to question those in power,” she said.

“In a nation that takes pride in democracy, dissent should not be treated as a threat. The right to speak freely is not granted by those in power; it is a fundamental right guaranteed and protected by our very Constitution,” she added.

She further underscored that the right to speak out is especially critical for public servants tasked with revealing the truth.

“Karapatan ito ng bawat Pilipino, lalo na ng mga lingkod-bayan na may tungkuling magsiwalat ng katotohanan. Kaya kung ang isang halal ng bayan tulad ni Cong. Barzaga ay maaaring patahimikin, paano pa ang mga ordinaryong Pilipinong wala namang kapangyarihan o posisyon?” she asked.

“Democracy demands courage. Democracy demands the freedom to speak and the freedom to question. I stand with every Filipino who refuses to be intimidated,” Duterte concluded.

The House Committee on Ethics and Privileges has imposed a 60-day suspension on Barzaga, with 249 members voting in favor, five against, and 11 abstaining.

The suspension comes in response to “offensive” and “malicious” social media posts and conduct deemed unbecoming of a public official.