MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives expelled Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco Barzaga.
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.
