‘I'm not unwell,’ says Kiko Barzaga amid health questions from House exec

Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga refuted claims by Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno that he is unwell, adding that he is ready to release his medical records should the court order it.

“I do not believe that I am unwell. I've not been diagnosed with any serious mental conditions that would lead me to be unable to be fit for service. I still deeply respect him, though I think he is wrong in saying that,” Barzaga said in Jonathan Andal’s Tuesday report on “24 Oras.”

“That would set a bad precedent if I [release my] medical records [since they] are purely confidential. If there's a court order for me to submit medical records once I am questioned of my sanity and my ability to properly serve the people of my district, then i will submit medical record,” he added.

“Kumbaga (So to speak), he is not well. And I think everybody is seeing that,” Puno said earlier, as he questioned Barzaga's condition based on his current and past actions.

Barzaga also said he is ready should the House ethics committee remove him from his post, as the National Unity Party is looking to file a case against him for alleged misbehavior.

This includes his alleged inappropriate posts, disrespect to some government officials, and a post seemingly prompting setting the House of Representatives on fire.

“Under the House Ethics Committee rules, I don't think I could be held liable for postings that I made before I became a member of the House of Representatives. I am willing to lose my position as House of Representative if the ethics committee deems it necessary and just,” Barzaga said.

He also confirmed that he went to the office of House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos and asked for the latter's support to be made Speaker of the House of Representatives, but denied that he collected signatures and offered the deputy speakership position to those who would support him. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News