dailypedia
Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga missed the start of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges hearing on Monday after arriving late—something he candidly attributed to staying up the night before to play computer games.
In an interview with reporters outside the Andaya Hall in Batasang Pambansa, Barzaga said he arrived only after discussions on the complaints against him had concluded.
“My hearing was already over by the time I arrived… I wasn’t there, I couldn’t have spoken,” he said.
“Tapos na ‘yung complaints sa akin nu’ng dumating ako kasi na-late ako ng a few minutes.”
When asked about the reason for his tardiness, Barzaga admitted, “Very busy last night… I was just playing games on my computer.”
The House Ethics Committee, chaired by 4Ps Party-list Rep. JC Abalos, convened to tackle the complaint filed by members of the National Unity Party (NUP), led by Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno, against Barzaga for what they described as “unusual behavior.”
The allegations include posting inappropriate photos on social media, disrespecting government officials, and even a controversial Facebook post where he allegedly warned the public “not to burn down the Batasang Pambansa until all employees and documents are evacuated.”
During the hearing, the panel agreed to create a sub-committee to deliberate on the complaint, which Puno clarified would handle cases where both the complainant and respondent are House members.
“This is a new sub-committee. It applies to all cases where the complainant and respondent are both members of the House,” Puno said. “But we will decline arbitration because we are not addressing a personal grievance. Respondent’s behavior caused injury to the entire House.”
Barzaga, for his part, said he was informed that the committee might consider a reconciliation or mediation process, but he prefers that the case proceed.
“Wala akong masyadong ginawa doon. They just informed me about the reconciliation of mediation… Pero ako, I wish for the case to proceed,” he said.
Despite missing the start of the hearing, Deputy Speaker Puno said Barzaga’s tardiness was not enough to warrant disciplinary action.
“Hindi naman siguro ganu’n na dapat ang parusa sa ngayon. At least sumipot,” Puno told reporters.
Just a day before the ethics hearing, Barzaga joined a protest rally in Makati City, where he called for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s resignation over alleged corruption in government — adding yet another layer of controversy to his ongoing political and personal battles.
