The House Committee on Ethics and Privileges on Tuesday denied silencing Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga, asserting that he was suspended over conduct unbecoming of an elected official.
In response to Barzaga’s assertions that he was being silenced for speaking out against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Ethics Committee Chair and 4Ps Party-list Rep. JC Abalos said Barzaga was suspended for violating Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials, and for conduct unbecoming of an elected official.
“Kung titingnan po natin ang committee report, pinarusahan po si Representative Barzaga on three grounds. Unang-una, Republic Act 6713, Code of Ethics, of course ang ating House rules, under Rule 20, and finally, conduct unbecoming of a member,” he said during a press conference.
The committee head argued that Barzaga did not come under fire for exercising his freedom of expression—noting this was a Constitutionally-protected right—rather, he was being disciplined for his ostentatious display of wealth, sharing lewd photographs, and making inappropriate, disrespectful remarks.
“Dahil ba iba ang pananaw niya pag dating sa pamahalaan? Hindi po. Kasi kung titingnan natin ang nilalaman, kung genuine political criticism ang dahilan kung ba’t siya sinuspinde sa Kongreso: ostentatious display of wealth… ang pagpapakita ng karangyaan, wala naman ‘yung kinalaman sa political opinion.
“Pangalawa, ang lewd photos, ang pagpapakita ng mga imahe na nakakabastos sa ating mga kababaihan. Hindi po ‘yan political criticism or speech … And of course, if you are going to make certain pronouncements, for example, ang pagsunog ng Kongreso, or kungyari po, ang pagdala ng airsoft sa rally. Hindi po ito ang genuine criticism na pino-promote po natin sa House of Representatives,” explained Abalos.
“We have to draw a line between the genuine exercise of freedom of expression… kumpara sa conduct unbecoming of an elected official,” he earlier stated.
On Monday, the House of Representatives enforced a 60-day suspension on Barzaga, backed by 249 votes in favor.
