Malacañang on Tuesday said it respects the decision of the House of Representatives to suspend Congressman Kiko Barzaga, stressing that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was not involved in the lawmaker’s disciplinary case.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro made the statement during a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) on December 2.

“Desisyon po yan ng House of Representatives. Ginagalang po ng Pangulo kung ano man ang desisyon ng House of Representatives,” Castro said in response to questions on Barzaga’s suspension.

Castro also rejected claims linking Marcos to the suspension, which some critics have suggested was motivated by Barzaga’s critical stance toward the administration.

“Una-una po yung mga lewd photos na kanyang pinost, hindi naman po kasama ang Pangulo nung ito ay kanyang ginawa. Hindi naman kasama ang Pangulo nung ito ay pinost,” Castro said.

“Hindi rin po yata kasama ang Pangulo sa kanyang mga di-umanong disinformation. Ginagamit lamang ang pangalan ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. para ma-justify ang kanyang mga ginagawa na disinformation,” the Palace official added.

Barzaga’s suspension has drawn public attention, with some observers pointing to his outspoken criticism of the administration and his controversial social media posts.

Malacañang emphasized that it will not interfere with the internal decisions of the House of Representatives.