Ronnie Puno files cyberlibel complaint vs. Kiko Barzaga

A cyberlibel complaint was filed Tuesday against suspended Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga.

According to a Super Radyo dzBB report by Isa Avendaño-Umali on Tuesday, the complaint was personally lodged by House Deputy Speaker and Antipolo City 1st District Rep. Ronaldo Puno with the Office of the City Prosecutor in Antipolo.

The complaint was filed following accusations posted by Barzaga on social media on January 9, which alleged that representatives under the National Unity Party (NUP) accepted bribes from businessman Enrique Razon to support then House Speaker Martin Romualdez in the 2025 elections.

Puno noted that Barzaga’s accusations were serious, and that the posts were made amid his suspension for alleged inappropriate social media posts.

He added that the post was retaliation against Puno and the other NUP members who previously initiated the ethics proceedings against Barzaga. 

Puno categorically denied receiving any bribe from Razon or any other person, and stated that he is seeking redress for the damage caused by what he described as a false and malicious public accusation.

“Actions have consequences, especially when they are malicious and clearly intended to destroy reputations without any basis. You cannot casually accuse someone of a crime, broadcast it to millions, and expect to hide behind social media antics. We will pursue full accountability under the law," he said.

The complaint stated that Barzaga’s post was not protected by parliamentary immunity, adding that cyber-libel carries a penalty exceeding six years and that the speech or debate clause does not extend to statements made outside Congress and unrelated to legislative action.

Puno said other NUP members who were similarly maligned "are already in the process of filing their own complaints.

“This is not about rhetoric. As we’ve said before, this is about protecting our reputations and enforcing accountability when outright falsehoods are thrown at us,” he said.

Puno also reserved the right to file a separate civil action for damages arising from the same acts.

Sought for comment, Barzaga said "I will face him in court."

Barzaga earlier apologized to Razon for his allegations following a cyberlibel complaint filed against him by the businessman.

Despite this, the suspended lawmaker said he is ready to face Razon in court and that his apologies were only made “for the personal issues.”

Earlier, NUP sought to expel Barzaga from his post at the House of Representatives for repeated defiance of congressional authority and ethics committee rulings. —Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/AOL, GMA Integrated News