Sara Duterte: Kiko Barzaga suspension meant to silence gov't critics

Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday denounced the move of the House of Representatives to suspend Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga for disorderly behavior, saying that it was a way to silence those who tell "uncomfortable truths."

In a statement, Duterte emphasized that she will stand with every Filipino "who refuses to be intimidated" by those in power.

"The suspension of Rep. Kiko Barzaga is part of a series of efforts to silence voices that speak uncomfortable truths. This is not the first time that critics of the government have been met with punitive action," the Vice President said.

Voting 249-5-11, the House on Monday adopted the recommendation by the House Ethics Committee to suspend Barzaga for 60 days after he was found guilty of disorderly behavior in relation to his allegedly inappropriate social media posts that were the subject of the complaint against him. 

Barzaga, in response, said he accepts any penalty that must be imposed on him, but maintained his stance that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. "must be held accountable for his crimes."

Duterte said the right to speak freely is a "fundamental right guaranteed and protected by our very Constitution."

"In a nation that takes pride in democracy, dissent should not be treated as a threat," she said.

"Karapatan ito ng bawat Pilipino, lalo na ng mga lingkod-bayan na may tungkuling magsiwalat ng katotohanan. Kaya kung ang isang halal ng bayan tulad ni Cong. Barzaga ay maaaring patahimikin, paano pa ang mga ordinaryong Pilipinong wala namang kapangyarihan o posisyon?"

(This is the right of every Filipino, especially public servants who have the responsibility to reveal the truth. So if a public figure like Cong. Barzaga can be silenced, what about ordinary Filipinos who have no power or position?)

House Ethics Committee chairperson 4Ps party-list Representative JC Abalos said the 60-day suspension also comes without salaries and allowances throughout the period. 

Abalos, however, denied that the panel was influenced by Marcos, who is the constant subject of Barzaga's criticisms. — VDV, GMA Integrated News