Valeriano wants new suspension vs Barzaga for socmed posts vs tycoon, late solon

Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano on Tuesday sought to extend the suspension imposed on Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga over the neophyte solon’s alleged continued violation of House rules, including his comments about a lawmaker who passed away last year.

In a privilege speech, Valeriano cited Barzaga’s social media posts that accused port tycoon Enrique Razon of allegedly bribing lawmakers of the National Unity Party (NUP) to vote for then Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Both Razon and Valeriano previously filed separate cyberlibel complaints against Barzaga in relation to these posts.

Valeriano also called out Barzaga for remarking that the late Antipolo City 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop, who died in December 2025, is now “suffering through eternal damnation” due to alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects.

The young solon also claimed that Acop “left the comfort of his luxurious mansion in exchange for a bit of eternal hellfire” and that such “is the fate of all corrupt politicians.” 

“His suspension came with a stern warning that repetition of similar misconduct would merit more severe sanctions. Despite this, Congressman Barsaga has continued this defiance. These acts committed through his official congressional platforms flagrantly violate Section 141 of Rule 20 of our Rules,” Valeriano said.

“Mr. Speaker, discipline without enforcement renders our authority meaningless. The continuing defiance of Congressman Barzaga must be addressed immediately. Ako po ay nakikiusap dito sa Kongreso na patawan muli ng another suspension si Congressman Barzaga para maturuan ng tamang aral ang batang ‘yan,” Valeriano added.

(Mr. Speaker, discipline without enforcement renders our authority meaningless. The continuing defiance of Congressman Barzaga must be addressed immediately. I ask Congress to impose another suspension on Congressman Barzaga to teach this young fellow a lesson.)

Sought for comment, Barzaga maintained that the evidence “will be provided by my legal defense in court.”

He added that he is no longer a member of the NUP and that he is “no longer subjected to the standards that they believe in.”

In response to Valeriano’s privilege speech, House Deputy Majority Leader Rodge Gutierrez of 1-Rider Party-list moved to refer Valeriano’s plea to the House ehtics panel for appropriate action, a motion which was seconded by House members.

In early December, the House of Representatives suspended Barzaga for 60 days for disorderly behavior in relation to his allegedly inappropriate social media posts that were the subject of the complaint against him. — JMA, GMA Integrated News