VP Sara pens open letter for Kiko Barzaga: Being different is okay

Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday penned an open letter for Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga a day after his expulsion from the House of Representatives.

In her letter, Duterte told Barzaga that “being different is okay” as she commended the lawmaker's "courage."

"It takes courage to charge forward even if no one will follow you. Your resolve is a daily reminder that character matters more than conformity. The strength you show inspires more Filipinos than you may ever know," Duterte said.

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives expelled Barzaga over disorderly behavior and conduct unbecoming of a House member, including repeated failure to perform his duty as a lawmaker.

House ethics panel chairperson and 4Ps party-list Rep. JC Abalos previously said expulsion was the only punishment appropriate for Barzaga since he failed to change his ways despite serving two sets of 60-day suspensions without pay.

Barzaga’s acts cited in the ethics complaint filed against him by former House Deputy Speaker Janet Garin of Iloilo include:

• linking his then party-mates, the National Union Party, and tycoon Enrique Razon to corruption without presenting documents or corroborating accounts;
• mocking his fellow House members by likening them to crocodiles in photos posted on social media;
• accusing his fellow House members of being involved in the death of a local official who died due to accidental firing;
• being disruptive during the House plenary session by suddenly going on livestream to utter slanderous remarks, if not creating commotion, among others.

'Staying true'

Duterte, however, encouraged Barzaga to "stay true" to who he is.

“It takes grit to be yourself in a world that rewards conformity. Not everyone will understand your choices or the path you take, and that's okay. What matters is staying true to who you are and what you believe in,” Duterte wrote.

The Vice President said being different often comes with criticism, sharing her own experience of being judged for refusing to follow established norms.

“Ako man ay itinuturing na kakaiba. Ilang beses na akong tinawag na baliw, bobo, at kung anu-ano pa dahil lamang sa pagtangging sumunod sa nakasanayan,” she said.

(I too am considered strange. I have been called crazy, stupid, and other things several times just for refusing to follow the norm.)

Duterte then concluded the message by expressing affection and support for Barzaga from God, Caviteños, Dabawenyos, “mga agila,” and cats, before signing the letter with her “utmost respect.” —VAL, GMA News