NUP seeking for Barzaga's expulsion from Congress

House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno said the National Unity Party is looking to have Rep. Kiko Barzaga expelled through a new ethics complaint instead of seeking an extension to his 60-day suspension.

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Composite photo shows Rep. Kiko Barzaga (Cavite, 4th District) and House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno. KIKO BARZAGA VIA FACEBOOK / HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / RELEASED

In a press conference on Friday, January 16, Puno said Barzaga has "outright defied" and ignored the House ethics committee's decision to suspend him, continuing to spread corruption claims against his fellow lawmakers on social media instead of bringing them to the proper forum.

"So I think it demeans the House to have somebody like him," he said. "Hindi talaga ito behavior ng tunay na mambabatas. Parang naging laru-laro na lang." (This really isn't a behavior of a true lawmaker. He's just treating it like a game.)

"Baka puwedeng i-expel na lang natin 'yan kasi it doesn't look as if there's going to be any end to this problem unless he is removed," Puno added.

(Maybe we should just expel him, because it doesn't seem like this problem will end unless he's removed.)