The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday filed an ethics complaint before the House of Representatives against Cavite Fourth District Rep. Kiko Barzaga over a series of social media posts concerning a recent disturbance at the Senate.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the complaint stemmed from multiple posts made by Barzaga that allegedly accused the agency of involvement in an assassination attempt during the incident at the Senate while Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa was present.
According to Matibag, the ethics complaint includes screenshots of nine social media posts made by the lawmaker, including a live broadcast conducted outside the Senate.
The NBI chief said he is seeking Barzaga’s expulsion from the House, noting that the congressman had previously received a warning from the chamber after serving a suspension.
Matibag emphasized that while freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution, the right is not without limitations, particularly when serious allegations are made by a public official.
Aside from the ethics complaint, the NBI is preparing criminal charges against Barzaga that will be filed before the Department of Justice. The agency intends to pursue a complaint for inciting to sedition in connection with the posts.
The NBI director also rejected suggestions that the agency’s actions were motivated by personal sensitivity or an inability to accept criticism. He maintained that the bureau’s response was based on the nature of the accusations and their potential impact.
The filing of the ethics complaint marks the latest development in the dispute between the NBI and the first-term lawmaker over statements made following the Senate incident involving Dela Rosa.
As of Monday, no ruling had been issued by the House regarding the complaint filed against Barzaga.
