The House leader and members of the National Unity Party will file charges against suspended Rep. Kiko Barzaga over what they described as malicious social media posts targeting the party.
The NUP said Barzaga accused its members of accepting bribes from businessman Enrique Razon to support former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez during the 2025 midterm elections.
NUP Chairman and House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno rejected the allegations, saying they were baseless because Romualdez had no opponent in the election.
Puno said Barzaga’s statements no longer targeted an individual but attacked the entire party without evidence. He said this prompted the NUP to pursue legal action not only against Barzaga but also against other party members whom Barzaga allegedly maligned.
Puno said the complaint would be brought through proper legal channels, adding that the matter would now be resolved in court. “We will see him in court,” the House leader said.
Barzaga is currently serving a 60-day suspension from the House of Representatives for violating ethical standards for government officials.
In response, Barzaga said he would present evidence to support his bribery allegations against members of the National Unity Party. He said he plans to disclose this evidence in a privilege speech when he returns to Congress in February, after the end of his suspension.
The dispute adds to tensions within the House, as party leaders and a suspended lawmaker prepare to face each other in both legal and legislative arenas.
