VP Duterte Extends Solace, Support to Cavite Lawmaker Kiko Barzaga

Cavite 4th District Representative Francis “Kiko” Barzaga and Vice President Sara Duterte

VP Duterte Extends Solace, Support to Cavite Lawmaker Kiko Barzaga

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | June 3, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – In a powerful statement resonating across the political landscape, Vice President Sara Duterte has publicly offered her unwavering support and comfort to Cavite 4th District Representative Francis “Kiko” Barzaga, following his expulsion from the House of Representatives. Barzaga’s removal on Tuesday, a rare occurrence in the lower house, reportedly stems from his vocal criticisms and “disruptive” behavior regarding systemic corruption, particularly concerning alleged multi-trillion-peso kickbacks from “ghost” flood control projects.

Duterte’s intervention, delivered through an open letter shared on social media, underscores a potent message of resilience and individuality in the face of institutional pressure. “It takes grit to be yourself in a world that rewards conformity,” the Vice President penned, directly addressing Barzaga’s predicament.

The House of Representatives voted 265 to expel Barzaga, making him the first such expulsion in nearly three years. This decisive action by the legislative body follows Barzaga’s persistent pursuit of accountability for alleged illicit financial schemes, which he claims funnel vast public funds into the pockets of corrupt officials.

Vice President Duterte’s message further emboldened Barzaga, affirming that “being different” and “walking alone” are not only acceptable but commendable. Acknowledging her lack of direct contact with the expelled congressman, Duterte chose a public Facebook post as “the next best thing” to convey her sentiments.

Drawing parallels to her own experiences, the Vice President recounted instances where she, too, was labeled with derogatory terms for refusing to adhere to conventional norms. “You are different because you have never been convicted of child abuse, never brought home ‘maletas’ (suitcases) of public funds, never allowed cocaine and alcohol to flow from your office, and never said yes to corruption and oppression,” Duterte wrote, implicitly contrasting Barzaga’s integrity with the perceived failings of others in power.

Duterte lauded Barzaga’s steadfast resolve as a “daily reminder that character matters more than conformity,” recognizing his strength as an inspiration to Filipinos. Concluding with a personal touch, she advised Barzaga to prioritize his well-being: “I know you’re feeling under the weather right now. Take Vitamin C, drink lots of water, and get well soon.”

The Vice President’s message closed with a collective affirmation of support, stating, “God loves you, as do the people of Cavite, the people of Davao, the eagles, and the cats,” a playful nod to Barzaga’s “Congressmeow” persona. This public display of solidarity from a high-ranking official injects a significant dimension into the ongoing discourse surrounding governmental accountability and the challenges faced by those who dare to expose alleged corruption.

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