Manila Representative Joel Chua strongly denounced former Cavite lawmaker Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga on Friday following online posts by the expelled politician celebrating the passing of Batanes Representative Ciriaco “Jun” Gato Jr.
Barzaga drew widespread backlash after labeling Gato’s death as “good news” and framed it as “another victory in this Political War,” characterizing the late lawmaker as pro-impeachment amid ongoing proceedings surrounding Vice President Sara Z. Duterte. Barzaga further referenced Gato’s vote during his expulsion proceedings in the House of Representatives, contrasting the physician-turned-lawmaker’s death with his own political stance.
Chua did not hold back in criticizing Barzaga’s conduct.
“Para sa isang nepo baby, bastos siya,” Chua said on Friday, rebuking Barzaga’s social media posts.
Gato passed away on Monday at age 66 while serving his third and final term representing Batanes. A medical doctor prior to entering public service in 2019, Gato chaired the House Committee on Health and was widely remembered by colleagues for leveraging his medical expertise to advance health legislation.
Gato was among the lawmakers who voted in June to expel Barzaga from the House of Representatives. The chamber voted 265-14, with eight abstentions, to remove the Cavite representative citing disorderly behavior, conduct unbecoming of a member, and repeated violations of the House Code of Conduct.
The expulsion capped off multiple disciplinary actions against Barzaga, who had previously served two 60-day suspensions over his behavior and social media conduct. Following his removal, a special election was held in Cavite’s 4th District in August, which was won by his mother, former Dasmariñas City Mayor Jennifer “Jenny” Barzaga.
The controversial comments mirror previous online posts by Barzaga attacking the late Antipolo Representative Romeo Acop following his death. Those posts formed part of the administrative grounds cited when the House issued Barzaga’s second 60-day suspension in February.