VP Sara Duterte's open letter to Kiko Barzaga: Stay true to what you believe in

Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday issued an open letter to former Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga, a day after he was expelled from the House of Representatives for violations of the House Code of Conduct.

In her letter, the Vice President said, "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 said she herself finds herself ostracized and labeled stupid or crazy.

"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," Duterte wrote.

She told Barzaga, "You are different because you have never been convicted of child abuse, never brought home "maletas" of public funds, never allowed cocaine and alcohol to flow from your office, and never said yes to corruption and oppression."

From the Facebook page of Vice President Sara Duterte

The Philippine News Agency said the House of Representatives on Tuesday voted 265-14, with eight abstentions, to expel CBarzaga.

This decision follows the recommendation of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which found Barzaga guilty of disorderly behavior, conduct unbecoming of a member, and violations of the House Code of Conduct, the PNA report said.

Barzaga's expulsion was finalized following the approval of a committee report initiated by a complaint from Deputy Speaker Janette Garin.

The report cited repeated disruptions of House proceedings, discourteous conduct toward fellow lawmakers, and the use of social media content that the committee determined undermined the dignity and integrity of the institution.

The controversy stemmed from several incidents in September 2025 involving Barzaga. These included:

• posting social media videos with altered images of House leaders,

• live-streaming from the session hall, and

• directing sarcastic commentary toward fellow lawmakers.

The committee characterized this conduct as disruptive and disrespectful toward parliamentary proceedings.

Barzaga had argued that his actions were protected political expression and occurred during suspended sessions but the committee rejected his defense.

The committee concluded that Barzaga violated Sections 141(a) and (b) of the House Rules, mandating members to act in a manner that reflects creditably on the House and adhere to both the spirit and letter of its rules.

An investigation on Barzaga's case found that his conduct fell short of the professional standards required under Republic Act (RA) 6713, also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, the PNA reported.

-Paraluman News