Expelled Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga may still seek reelection in the upcoming special election for his former congressional seat despite his removal from the House of Representatives, according to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
COMELEC Chairperson George Garcia said Barzaga’s expulsion from the House does not automatically disqualify him from running for public office.
The poll body is targeting August for the conduct of the special election to fill the vacancy in Cavite’s 4th District, which covers the city of Dasmariñas.
Garcia said COMELEC is still looking for funding for the planned special election.
Barzaga was expelled from the House of Representatives after lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor of his removal. The chamber approved the expulsion with 265 votes in favor, 14 against, and eight abstentions.
The House cited repeated violations of its rules and ethical standards as the basis for the expulsion.
Barzaga became only the second member of Congress in Philippine history to be removed from office through a two-thirds vote of fellow lawmakers.
Before his expulsion, Barzaga had already been suspended twice for 60 days each over separate violations related to his social media activities and conduct as a legislator.
His removal created a vacancy in the representation of Cavite’s 4th District, prompting preparations for a special election to choose a new representative.
Despite the House action, COMELEC clarified that the expulsion alone does not prevent Barzaga from filing his candidacy and participating in the special election, subject to existing election laws and requirements.
The special election is expected to determine who will represent the residents of Dasmariñas in the House of Representatives following the vacancy left by Barzaga’s expulsion.
