Vice President Sara Duterte has expressed support for Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga following his expulsion from the House of Representatives, praising the lawmaker’s courage and urging him to remain true to his convictions.
In an open letter released Wednesday, a day after Barzaga’s removal from the House, Duterte commended the congressman for standing firm despite criticism and opposition.
“It takes courage to charge forward even if no one will follow you. Your resolve is a daily reminder that character matters more than conformity. The strength you show inspires more Filipinos than you may ever know,” Duterte wrote.
The House of Representatives voted on Tuesday to expel Barzaga for disorderly behavior and conduct unbecoming of a member of Congress, citing repeated failure to fulfill his duties as a lawmaker.
According to House ethics panel chairperson and 4Ps party-list Representative JC Abalos, expulsion was deemed the appropriate penalty after Barzaga failed to reform his conduct despite previously serving two separate 60-day suspensions without pay.
The ethics complaint, filed by former House Deputy Speaker Janet Garin, cited several alleged violations by Barzaga, including linking his former political party, the National Unity Party, and businessman Enrique Razon to corruption without evidence, posting social media content comparing fellow lawmakers to crocodiles, accusing colleagues of involvement in the death of a local official, and disrupting House proceedings through livestreams and allegedly slanderous remarks.
Despite the sanctions, Duterte encouraged Barzaga to remain steadfast.
“It takes grit to be yourself in a world that rewards conformity. 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,” she said.
The Vice President also drew parallels to her own experiences, saying she has often faced criticism for refusing to conform.
“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 said.
Duterte ended her message by expressing affection and support for Barzaga, saying he remains loved by God, Caviteños, Dabawenyos, “mga agila,” and even cats, before signing the letter with her “utmost respect.”
