House expels Kiko Barzaga over ‘disruptive’ and ‘disorderly’ behavior
MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers on Tuesday voted to expel Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga over “disruptive” and “disorderly” behavior, making him the first in nearly three years to be expelled from the House of Representatives.
More than two-thirds of the House, or 265 lawmakers, voted in favor of the House ethics panel’s recommendation in Committee Report No. 298 that Barzaga should be expelled from the lower chamber over acts deemed unbecoming of a House member.
Fourteen voted against it, while eight abstained.
“Rep. Barzaga engaged in a pattern of highly disruptive, discourteous, and disorderly behavior that directly obstructed plenary sessions and desecrated parliamentary solemnity,” 4Ps Rep. JC Abalos, who heads the ethics committee, told the House floor in his sponsorship speech of the panel’s report.
He also said Barzaga’s “established infractions” include repeatedly interrupting plenary sessions, having loud outbursts, distracting House members during legislative work, and mocking the chamber’s leadership.
Barzaga, a 27-year-old lawmaker, was suspended twice for 60 days over social media posts that leveled accusations against fellow lawmakers and top government officials.
He has styled himself as an advocate of animal rights and adopted a cat persona, with his quips often punctuated by a “meow.”
READ: Barzaga confirms House set to expel him
After the expulsion vote, Barzaga said he would seek career opportunities in the private sector but would consider returning to Congress if he “doesn’t find a better job” there.
“Maybe I’ll work as a veterinarian,” he said.
The lead-up to the vote saw a back-and-forth between lawmakers pushing for Barzaga’s removal and those opposing it, who argued that his expulsion did not match his infractions and could set a precedent for future proceedings.
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“My concern is whether expulsion would be perceived as punishment for dissent rather than genuine disorderly behavior,” Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice said.
He later questioned whether there was a quorum to vote on Barzaga’s removal, prompting a roll call before the voting proceeded.
Before his ouster, Barzaga voted against impeaching Vice President Sara Duterte, who was indicted on corruption and constitutional violation charges tied to alleged misuse of confidential funds and accusations she plotted the assassination of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., among others.
Barzaga had filed six bills in his 11 months as a lawmaker, including a proposal to legalize divorce in the Philippines, and co-authored five others, according to his congressional profile.
In August 2023, former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. was expelled from the House. He faces murder charges, including the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
Other lawmakers stricken off from the roll of lawmakers include former Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Romeo Jalosjos Sr., who was removed after being found guilty of raping a minor, and Ruben Ecleo Jr. of Dinagat Islands, who dropped over graft charges and the killing of his wife.
“It’s like I’m the kindest person on the list,” Barzaga said. /mcm/cb
