Dev Flores

Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga officially took oath as a member of Partido ng Demokratiko Pilipino or PDP Laban this Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

The political party confirmed that in a Facebook post, welcoming the congressman as an official member following his attendance at the Basic Membership Seminar (BMS) held at the National Headquarters in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte currently leads PDP Laban. National officials include Sen. Robin Padilla, Sen. Bong Go, and Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.

Barzaga also shared photos on his own page, confirming his transfer to the new party.

Before joining PDP Laban, Barzaga was a member of the National Unity Party (NUP), which is currently led by House Deputy Speaker and Antipolo City 1st District Representative Ronaldo Puno.

With reports from Joan Nano

In the inauguration of fire facilities and meetings with local officials in Catanduanes, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla recognizes the 50% decrease in crime across the Philippines. This decline is attributed to the enforcement of the Safer Cities Initiative, primarily in Metro Manila.

“Bumagsak ang krimen by 50 percent sa buong Pilipinas. Hindi lang po sa mga kilalang siyudad, sa malalaking siyudad sa buong Pilipinas,” the Secretary said via DILG press release

[“Crime has dropped by 50% across the Philippines. This is  not just in well-known cities, but in major cities throughout the country.”]

Remulla also noted that peace and order depend on the effective enforcement of the law. He emphasized that through proper implementation and cooperation of both the barangay and the police, achieving peace and order is highly attainable.

On previous reports, the PNP showed a decline in the figure of arrests - from 7,886 (April 16) to 6,514 (April 19).

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) previously advised the police officials to always exercise common sense in the enforcement of the ordinances.

“Yun po yung instruction natin sa ating mga kapulisan na the implementation of ordinances dapat nandon yung compassion at tsaka common sense,” according to NCRPO Acting Director PMGen. Anthony Aberin

[“That’s our instruction to our police officers, in the implementation of ordinances, compassion and common sense must be present.”]

The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced a new opportunity for Senior High School graduates through a designated “green lane” for those who aspire to apply for a job in a National Job Fair hosted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

According to DepEd, graduates must present their school ID and the Certificate of Graduation or Completion to access the green lane.

The venues and dates for the job fair can be found in the link below:

The National Job Fair is available in different regions. The event kicked off on April 27, 2026, in Mountain Province, while the other regions, like NCR, are scheduled to begin on April 30, 2026 until May 15, 2026.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) raised the 3rd-level fire alarm in the residential area in Purok 2 Hacienda Rosario, Sucat, Muntinlupa City today, April 29, 2025. 

According to the local government, they are currently coordinating with the Social Services Department (SSD) to provide temporary shelter fior for the families affected by the fire incident.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon confirmed this through an official Facebook post of the City Government of Muntinlupa.

“Naghahanda na ang ating SSD sa pagbibigay ng nararapat na assistance para sa mga apektado,” he said

[Our SSD is already preparing the necessary assistance for those affected.”]

The city is also working with the barangay and other concerned agencies to ensure the safety of the affected residents.

Another two ethics complaints have been filed against Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga. 

House Deputy Speaker at Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin is a complainant of these two concerns. 

One of the complaints stems from Barzaga allegedly linking linking Garin, her daughter, and Deputy Majority Leader at Iloilo 3rd District Representative Lorenz Defensor to the death of Iloilo Vice Mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan. However, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) says that the death of Lamasan “was the result of accidental firearm discharge”.

Another complaint is the unauthorized taking of videos of fellow members of the House of Representatives. 

Garrin noted that a second suspension is a strong warning for a member of Congress.

“Historically, kasi sa kongreso kapag na-suspend ka na, and then you have another suspension, and in his case, the 2nd suspension had a very strong warning that if he repeats it again, it will proceed to a higher penalty,” she said

She added that the situation could ultimately lead to expulsion.

“Well, technically it’s expulsion eh, kasi it’s usually suspension, suspension, then expulsion,” she said

But the final decision for the next action against Barzaga will remain on the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, according to Garin.

She also emphasized that a member of Congress must act in a manner according to what is expected in his position.

“Parang his point is that sees nature as a cat, but he’s not a cat. He’s a member of Congress, duly elected, who should demonstrate what is expected commensurate to his position,” she said

In a Facebook post, Barzaga answered Garin’s statement.

With reports from Evan Alvarez