Sara Duterte backs, comforts expelled Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga

(Photo courtesy of the Office of the Vice President)

MANILA, Philippines —Vice President Sara Duterte, in an open letter, expressed support for and comforted expelled Cavite 4th district Rep. Francis “Kiko” Barzaga, saying that “It takes grit to be yourself in a world that rewards conformity.”

A total of 265 members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday voted to expel Barzaga over “disruptive” and “disorderly” behavior, making him the first in nearly three years to be expelled from the lower House.

Duterte further expressed support for Barzaga, saying that “being different” and “walking alone” are okay.

The vice president said she does not have Barzaga’s number so a Facebook post is “the next best thing.”

Duterte also likened Barzaga’s situation to her own experiences, saying she herself had been called “baliw” (crazy), “bobo” (stupid), and other names for refusing to follow established norms.

“You are different because you have never been convicted of child abuse, never brought home ‘maletas’ (bags) of public funds, never allowed cocaine and alcohol to flow from your office, and never said yes to corruption and oppression,” she wrote further.

The vice president likewise described Barzaga’s resolve as a “daily reminder that character matters more than conformity,” and his strength as inspiring to Filipinos.

“I know you’re feeling under the weather right now. Take Vitamin C, drink lots of water, and get well soon,” Duterte said.

“God loves you, as do the people of Cavite, the people of Davao, the eagles, and the cats,” Duterte said, alluding to Barzaga’s “Congressmeow” persona. /gsg