The House of Representatives officially expelled Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga on Tuesday night, June 2, following a decisive plenary vote. The 27-year-old legislator’s tenure concluded after 338 days, falling just 27 days short of a full year since his term began with the 20th Congress on June 30, 2025.
The expulsion, supported by 265 lawmakers with 14 votes against and 8 abstentions, marks the culmination of a series of disciplinary actions against Barzaga. The Committee on Ethics and Privileges, led by Chairman and 4Ps Party-list Representative JC Abalos, recommended the removal after determining that previous 60-day suspensions without pay had failed to deter the congressman’s behavior.
Patterns of Conduct
The recommendation for expulsion, detailed in Committee Report (CR) No. 298, stemmed from an impeachment complaint filed by Deputy Speaker and Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin. The complaint alleged that Barzaga had made claims linking Garin, her daughter and House Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 3rd District Representative Lorenz Defensor to the death of a vice mayor caused by an accidental firearm discharge.
Chairman Abalos stated that the committee found evidence of a “pattern of highly disruptive, discourteous, and disorderly behaviour that directly obstructed plenary sessions and desecrated parliamentary solemnity.” Specific infractions cited included aimless walking and loud outbursts during legislative tasks, as well as the unauthorized use of Facebook Live to record colleagues and mock proceedings. The committee flagged a video posted to Barzaga’s official Facebook page that superimposed animated crocodiles over the former House Speaker and Majority Leader.
Procedural Implications
The expulsion was formalized when Deputy Speaker and Ilocos Sur 2nd District Representative Kristine Singson-Meehan declared the committee report and recommendation adopted. Earlier on Tuesday, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag had arrived at the House to file a separate impeachment complaint against Barzaga regarding his social media posts surrounding events at the Senate on May 13. Following the plenary vote, that filing is now considered moot and academic.
Looking ahead, the vacancy in the Cavite 4th District leaves constituents without their representative in the 20th Congress. While the immediate disciplinary process has concluded, observers may look to see how the House manages the legal and administrative transition following such a significant removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Francisco Barzaga expelled from the House?
He was expelled for a “pattern of highly disruptive, discourteous, and disorderly behaviour” that obstructed legislative sessions and demonstrated conduct unbecoming of a member of the House, as determined by the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
What was the result of the nominal voting?
The final vote was 265 in favor of expulsion, 14 against, and 8 abstentions.
What happened to the impeachment complaint filed by the NBI?
The complaint filed by NBI Director Melvin Matibag regarding Barzaga’s social media posts on May 13 became moot and academic following the House’s plenary decision to expel him.
Do you believe this disciplinary action will serve as a sufficient deterrent for future legislative conduct?