Members of the Duterte family and their congressional allies criticized the House of Representatives’ decision to suspend Cavite Fourth District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga for 60 days, saying the move risks turning legitimate criticism into grounds for punishment.
On December 1, the House voted 249–5, with 11 abstentions, to impose the suspension without pay after the Ethics Committee ruled that Barzaga’s social media posts constituted “disorderly behavior” and undermined the chamber’s dignity.
The complaint was filed by the National Unity Party, Barzaga’s former political group.
In a collective statement, Independent Bloc members Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, Rep. Harold Duterte, Rep. Omar Duterte, and Rep. Isidro Ungab said the speed with which the complaint advanced fuels concerns that the action was politically driven.
They warned that the ruling could have a chilling effect on public discourse.
“This decision suggests that strong criticism of those in authority can now be treated as a disciplinary offense rather than addressed through open debate,” the group said in a statement.
They added that the penalty comes at a time when the public is demanding answers on economic challenges, peace and order issues, and corruption allegations, particularly involving infrastructure projects.
“Silencing a critic in this environment only heightens public suspicion that difficult questions are being avoided,” the bloc said.
They lauded the lawmakers who opposed or abstained from the vote.
They urged Congress to remain accountable to the public and continue seeking transparency.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte also released a statement rejecting Barzaga’s suspension, describing it as part of a pattern of actions aimed at muting dissenting voices.
She cited previous incidents targeting government critics among them the alleged abduction of a former president and the filing of inciting-to-sedition complaints against several individuals, including herself.
“In a democracy, dissent is not a threat,” she said.
“If an elected representative like Cong. Barzaga can be silenced, what more ordinary Filipinos who lack influence or official positions?” she added.
The vice president reiterated that the right to speak freely is guaranteed by the Constitution and urged Filipinos not to be intimidated.
“Democracy requires the freedom to question and the courage to do so,” she said.
