The House Ethics Committee and Privileges will begin hearing the complaint filed against Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga.

RH Milky Rigonan reported on Monday, October 13, that the complaint was filed by Barzaga’s former political party, the National Unity Party (NUP).

Although NUP Chairperson and House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno said he agrees with Barzaga’s statement about his right to free speech and expression, he said it is not the kind of behavior that the public should expect from a congressman.

“Kasi ‘yung ibang mga ginawa niya na pinag-reklamo namin, parang sinasabi niya na karapatan niya ‘yon. Actually, karapatan mo ‘yon as a citizen, pero hindi ‘yon ang behavior na ineexpect from a congressman,” Puno explained.

“Iba ‘yung expectations from other citizens kaya iba ‘yung rights ng average citizen, which is freedom of speech…But when you enter the House of Representatives, you are expected to hold yourself at a certain level of behavior,” he added.

“Kung walang ganon edi wala na, magkakagulo na lang tayo dito. We are expected to act with a minimum level of decorum and with respect to our peers,” he continued.

As a congressman, Puno said that Barzaga should keep in mind to observe proper decorum and respect fellow lawmakers, especially when inside the House plenary.

The comment was made after Barzaga attempted to confront Majority Flood Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos about former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Puno first announced the filing of an ethics complaint against Barzaga in September, citing several concerns about the latter’s behavior, like a violation of the House Code of Conduct, a breach of Republic Act 6713, unethical conduct related to inciting seditious activity, and conduct that is deemed prejudicial to the best interest of the services and unbecoming of a member of Congress.

Barzaga, who is the self-proclaimed Cong. Meow Meow, first called for the resignation of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Senate President Francis” Chiz” Escudero, incumbent Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

He also led the anti-Marcos protest at Forbes Park on Sunday, October 12, in hopes of pressuring the administration to respond to calls on corruption.