(UPDATE) MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has expelled Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco Barzaga over his social media posts and conduct "unbecoming" of a lawmaker
With 265 voting in the affirmative, the plenary adopted Committee Report 298 of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges that expelled Barzaga for conduct unbecoming of a House member and disorderly behavior. Fourteen lawmen voted against Barzaga's expulsion while eight abstained.
According to Committee Chairman and 4Ps partylist Rep. Jonathan Clement Abalos, Barzaga had been meted two consecutive 60-day suspensions that became the basis of the panel's recommendation to expel the lawmaker, which is considered the highest form of punishment at the House.
"The committee considers [that] another penalty of suspension will not likely deter the improper behavior which continuously reflects negatively on the image of the House of Representatives,” Abalos said.
Earlier in the day, Barzaga said that he has "no regrets" if he was expelled today from the House and said that he "would live and die" for the Filipino people.
"We will bring justice to this corrupt system! #CrocodileFarm," Barzaga said.
The neophyte Cavite lawmaker has been suspended over his social media posts and his "conduct unbecoming" of a lawmaker.
A second ethics complaint was filed by Deputy Speaker Janette Garin, where she alleged that Barzaga called her "mommy" during a session.
