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