In a bold move that’s sparking nationwide debate, Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga remains unshaken by his 60-day suspension from Congress, doubling down on his criticism of President Marcos—and even joking he’ll struggle to pay rent or buy food. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite the House’s decision to penalize him for conduct unbecoming of a lawmaker, Barzaga is unwavering in his mission to file an impeachment complaint against the President, citing a ‘betrayal of public trust’ as his grounds. In an interview with ‘The Big Story’ on One News, he declared, ‘I accept the committee’s decision, but President Marcos must be held accountable. Too many lives have been lost, and too much money has been taken from the Filipino people. We cannot back down now.’
And this is the part most people miss: Barzaga argues that any punishment he faces pales in comparison to the potential lives and futures saved if Marcos steps down. ‘The consequences for me are nothing compared to what’s at stake for our nation,’ he added, framing his suspension as a small price to pay for justice. This stance has ignited a fiery discussion: is Barzaga a courageous whistleblower, or is he overstepping his bounds? Let’s dive deeper.
Earlier in October, Barzaga first announced his intent to impeach Marcos during a plenary session, accusing the President of ‘betrayal of public trust.’ However, he has yet to formally file the complaint with the House secretary general, Cheloy Garafil—a former journalist and Presidential Communications Office chief. ‘I’m moving forward with the impeachment,’ the 27-year-old lawmaker stated, seemingly unfazed by the fact that 289 out of 317 House members are Marcos allies. ‘Hopefully, Congress will act swiftly so we can investigate flood control anomalies.’
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Barzaga, often labeled a ‘nepo baby’ due to his father’s legacy as the late congressman Elpidio Barzaga Jr., has only shared the impeachment document publicly through his vlog. In a lighthearted yet pointed video, he quipped, ‘Welcome back to the crocodile farm. The crocs are on vacation again,’ while showing footage of the empty plenary hall. He then unveiled the document, adding with a smile, ‘And here’s a surprise—the Marcos impeachment complaint! Ameow, hehehe, bye bye Marcos.’
This blend of humor and defiance has polarized opinions. Some applaud Barzaga’s bravery in challenging a powerful administration, while others question his methods and motives. But the real question is: Can a single lawmaker, suspended and outnumbered, truly hold a President accountable? Or is this just a symbolic stand destined to fizzle out? Share your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
