Manila: The chairperson of the House Committee on Ethics on Tuesday pushed back against Cavite Rep. Francisco 'Kiko' Barzaga's claim that he was being 'silenced' for criticizing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his administration, stressing that his suspension stemmed from clear violations of ethics rules and not from dissent or political views.

According to Philippines News Agency, 4Ps Party-list Rep. JC Abalos stated in a press briefing that the findings were clear-cut and demonstrated that Barzaga violated Republic Act 6713, also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, Rule 20 of the House Rules, and the standards expected of a member of Congress.

Last Monday, the House plenary, acting on the ethics panel's recommendations, suspended Barzaga for 60 days without pay and allowances after finding him guilty of disorderly behavior arising from his 'reckless' and 'inflammatory' social media posts.

Abalos explained that the sanction arose from actions no elected official should commit, including ostentatious displays of wealth, lewd photos, and pronouncements such as burning Congress or carrying an airsoft gun to a rally. He emphasized that these behaviors were not related to political opinions or criticisms but were instead violations of ethical conduct.

He added that the committee drew a clear boundary between dissent and misconduct, stating that there is a difference between genuine exercises of freedom of expression and conduct unbecoming of an elected official.

Abalos noted that the House has long been home to lawmakers from different parties and ideological blocs who engage in vigorous debates while maintaining respect for one another, as well as for the House's institutional rules. He asserted that criticism of the government has never been an issue in the House, highlighting the right of lawmakers to express opposition to the administration.