MANILA — The House of Representatives on Tuesday voted to expel Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga, citing repeated acts of disruptive and disorderly conduct that lawmakers said undermined the integrity and proceedings of the chamber.
A total of 265 lawmakers voted in favor of the recommendation of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges to remove Barzaga from the chamber. Fourteen lawmakers opposed the motion, while eight abstained.
Presenting the committee report before the plenary, committee chair and 4Ps Party-list Rep. JC Abalos said Barzaga had engaged in conduct that repeatedly disrupted legislative proceedings and violated standards expected of House members.
According to the committee, Barzaga’s actions included frequent interruptions during plenary debates, public outbursts, conduct deemed disrespectful to fellow lawmakers, and statements that allegedly ridiculed House leadership.
The 27-year-old legislator had previously been suspended twice for a total of 60 days over social media posts containing allegations against fellow lawmakers and government officials.
The expulsion sparked debate on the House floor, with some lawmakers questioning whether the penalty was proportionate to the offenses cited. Others maintained that the chamber needed to uphold discipline and parliamentary decorum.
Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice expressed concern that the move could be interpreted as a sanction against dissenting views rather than solely a response to disorderly conduct. He also raised questions regarding the presence of a quorum before the voting proceeded.
Prior to his expulsion, Barzaga was among the lawmakers who voted against the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Congressional records show that during his nearly one year in office, Barzaga authored six measures, including a bill seeking to legalize divorce in the Philippines, and co-authored five others.
Barzaga became the first House member to be expelled since former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. was removed from the chamber in 2023 amid criminal charges linked to the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
ia/xf
