Rep. Barzaga misses ethics hearing, cites late-night activity: “I was busy playing computer games”
• Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga Jr. missed his House ethics committee hearing on Monday
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• The lawmaker openly admitted that he was tardy because he was up late "playing computer games"
• The ethics complaint was filed by his former party, the National Unity Party (NUP), over "unusual behavior" and "lewd" social media posts
• Barzaga's gaming excuse is expected to fuel further criticism regarding his commitment to his official duties
A bizarre scene unfolded at the House of Representatives on Monday when Cavite Fourth District Representative Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga Jr. completely missed the scheduled hearing for the ethics complaint filed against him.
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In an unexpected admission that is raising eyebrows across the political spectrum, the lawmaker cited an all-night computer gaming session as the reason for his failure to appear on time.
The hearing, convened by the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, was set to discuss the complaint lodged by members of his former party, the National Unity Party (NUP).
Barzaga arrived at the legislative complex only to find the proceedings had already concluded, rendering his attendance moot.
When confronted by reporters at the House, the Cavite representative was unapologetically candid about the cause of his tardiness.
"My hearing was already over when I arrived. I was very busy last night," he stated, before revealing the nature of his activity. "I was just playing games with my computer."
This striking disclosure comes as the legislator faces serious allegations of "unusual behavior" from his ex-party mates.
The NUP, led by Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno, filed the formal complaint last month, citing a pattern of conduct that they claim is unbecoming of a member of Congress.
The charges include Barzaga's sudden and controversial declaration of a bid for the Speakership, as well as the posting of what were described as "lewd" and inappropriate photos on his social media accounts.
The NUP’s complaint specifically outlines four potential violations by Barzaga: failing to act in a manner that reflects creditably on the House; engaging in acts contrary to law, good morals, customs, and public policy; conduct that potentially incites seditious activity; and behavior prejudicial to the best interest of the service and unbecoming of a member of Congress.
Just the day before missing his ethics hearing, Barzaga was also noted to have briefly participated in a protest action outside Forbes Park Village in Makati City, joining demonstrators who were calling for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s resignation amid mounting corruption allegations.
His participation in the rally, coupled with his recent resignation from the NUP following reports that Puno accused him of plotting against House Speaker Martin Romualdez, paints a picture of a lawmaker deeply entrenched in political conflict and unorthodox behavior.
The combination of serious ethical questions, public political grandstanding, and now, the casual dismissal of a formal congressional proceeding due to video gaming, places Barzaga's conduct under intense scrutiny.
While the House Ethics Committee's initial deliberation did not yet warrant a sanction, Barzaga's delayed arrival, which he attributed to a leisure activity, is expected to be viewed as a further lapse in professional responsibility and may be incorporated into the overall assessment of his fitness to serve.
The incident underscores the fundamental importance of decorum and accountability for public officials, whose personal choices, when they directly interfere with their official duties, become matters of public concern and institutional integrity.
Kiko Barzaga is the son of former Congressman Francis “B.A.” Barzaga Jr. and Dasmariñas Mayor Jenny Barzaga, both prominent political figures in Cavite. At a young age, Kiko already demonstrated an interest in politics and local governance. He is also known for being outspoken and for his frequent viral statements on social media that capture public attention.
Recently, the Cavite 4th District representative filed an impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. In a 37-second vlog, he showed the interior of the Batasan (House of Representatives) and called it a “crocodile farm.” He stated that the “crocodiles” were allegedly absent while showing the vacant seats. He also showed the impeachment complaint document, which cited "betrayal of public trust" and "culpable violation of the Constitution."
It can be recalled that he was blocked from entering the office of then Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez amidst the escalating issue of a leadership shake-up in the House of Representatives. According to the report, Barzaga simply sat on a monobloc chair in the reception area after being denied entry into the Speaker's inner office. The incident occurred just hours after Romualdez met with leaders and members of political parties before his anticipated resignation as Speaker. Barzaga is known as one of Romualdez's fierce critics and had previously expressed on social media his desire to seize the speakership from the Leyte lawmaker.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
