* Say it’s an attempt to silence critics and a “troubling signal”By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte and four Davao lawmakers criticized the House of Representatives on over the weekend for suspending Cavite Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga, calling it an attempt to silence those who speak “uncomfortable truths.”
The vice president said in a statement that she will support all Filipinos “who refuse to be intimidated” by those in power. She described Barzaga’s suspension as part of ongoing attempts to silence critics, noting that government opponents have faced punishment in the past.
In a joint statement, Rep. Paolo Duterte (1st District), Rep. Omar Duterte (2nd District), Rep. Isidro Ungab (3rd District), and Rep. Harold James Duterte (PPP Partylist) said the suspension sends a “troubling signal” that sharp criticism of those in power can now be punished as “disorderly behavior” instead of being addressed through open debate.
The lawmakers questioned the speed of the proceedings, noting that the complaint originated from Barzaga’s former party, the National Unity Party. They warned that the action appeared to be driven more by “political payback” than a fair evaluation of his conduct.
They also flagged the Ethics Committee’s conclusion that Barzaga’s posts damaged the “dignity” of the House, arguing that it relied on an overly broad interpretation of what lawmakers can or cannot say online.
The group stated that the decision comes at a time when Filipinos are facing economic challenges, lingering concerns about peace and order, and unresolved allegations of corruption in government spending, including those related to flood control and significant infrastructure projects.
“In such a climate, silencing a critic does nothing to restore trust; it only deepens public suspicion that uncomfortable questions are being swept aside,” the statement read.
The lawmakers expressed support for the five House members who voted against the suspension and the eleven who abstained. They urged colleagues to join an ongoing “good-faith search for the truth” and to pursue accountability wherever evidence leads.
“We owe it to our constituents and to future generations,” the statement read. “The search for truth must continue.”
The House of Representatives suspended Barzaga for 60 days due to social media posts that lawmakers deemed irresponsible and inappropriate.
On December 1, 249 House members voted to approve the ethics committee’s recommendation, while five voted against it and 11 abstained.
Ethics panel chair JC Abalos said Barzaga’s posts harmed the image and credibility of the chamber. He also warned that any similar actions in the future could lead to a harsher penalty.
The committee ordered Barzaga to delete the 24 questioned posts within 24 hours of the report’s approval.
The suspension stemmed from a complaint filed by his former party, the National Unity Party, which accused him of posting content that insulted women and disrespected government institutions.
Barzaga was also criticized for joking online about burning down the Batasang Pambansa, which some saw as inciting sedition.
Suspension is the House’s second heaviest penalty, next only to expulsion.
A suspended lawmaker loses access to sessions, salary, and office resources during the suspension period.
