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The plenary delivered its verdict Monday afternoon, December 1, 2025, in a near-unanimous vote: 249 in favor, only 5 opposed, and 11 abstentions—a clear message that the chamber would no longer tolerate what many described as “digital grandstanding” masquerading as dissent.
Barzaga, the self-dubbed “congressmeow” and controversial Gen Z solon, now faces one of the harshest disciplinary actions ever handed to a sitting representative in recent memory—all stemming from a barrage of incendiary Facebook posts, inappropriate photo content, and reckless public accusations against top government officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
ETHICS PANEL: “BRINGS DISCREDIT TO THE HOUSE”
The penalty was recommended by 4Ps Party-list Rep. JC Abalos, chair of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, in Committee Report No. 28, which detailed how Barzaga’s social media behavior violated three key standards:
- Section 141-A, Rule 20 of the House Rules (on disorderly conduct),
- Section 4(C) of Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct for Public Officials), and
- General standards of “conduct unbecoming of a House member.”
“Taken in their entirety, the actions of Rep. Barzaga bring contempt, discredit, and disrepute to the name of the House of Representatives,” Abalos declared during the plenary session. “His conduct reflects negatively upon the dignity, integrity, and reputation of this institution—both individually and collectively.”
The panel found that Barzaga not only posted inflammatory content targeting the President and other officials but also refused to remove publicly visible, inappropriate photos from his social media profiles—despite repeated warnings.
ORDERED: DELETE 24 POSTS IN 24 HOURS
In addition to the suspension, the committee ordered Barzaga to delete all 24 offending social media posts within 24 hours of the resolution’s adoption. Failure to comply could trigger even harsher sanctions.
“Let this serve as a stern warning: any repetition of similar misconduct will result in more severe disciplinary action,” Abalos emphasized.
He closed his sponsorship speech with a sobering reminder for all lawmakers: “As trustees of the people, we are expected to conduct ourselves in a manner that reflects the dignity of our position. Let us be more circumspect in our words—and mindful of the high standards of propriety demanded of us.”
BARZAGA’S DEFENSE? “FREEDOM OF SPEECH”
Barzaga, who resigned from the National Unity Party (NUP) in early September—just weeks before 29 NUP members, led by Deputy Speaker Ronaldo “Ronnie” Puno, filed the ethics complaint—argued during hearings that he was merely exercising his right to free expression.
But the ethics panel wasn’t buying it.
“Freedom of speech is not absolute for public officials,” Abalos shot back. “Especially when it undermines institutional integrity and crosses into indecency or recklessness.”
Notably, Barzaga never denied authoring the posts in question.
In a surprising twist, the young congressman preemptively accepted the committee’s decision—even before the final vote was called. “I wholeheartedly accept the decision of the committee,” he told the plenary.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The suspension takes immediate effect—but Barzaga’s office staff will continue working and receiving salaries, as they are not party to the disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, Barzaga’s recent campaign to abolish the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)—which he baselessly accused of pushing the country “closer to World War III”—has drawn widespread criticism for lacking evidence and escalating tensions without cause.
Now silenced for two months, “congressmeow”’s claws are officially sheathed—at least until February 2026.
Balitang Huli: Truth. Consequence. Accountability.
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