Quick Read
- Rep. Kiko Barzaga surrendered to Dasmariñas police on April 13 following a warrant for eight counts of cyberlibel.
- The charges follow allegations that the lawmaker claimed National Unity Party members were bribed by businessman Enrique Razon.
- The court set bail at P48,000 per count, totaling P384,000, as Barzaga remains under suspension from the House of Representatives.
MANILA (Azat TV) – Suspended lawmaker Kiko Barzaga surrendered to police authorities on Monday, April 13, 2026, following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 147. The Cavite 4th District representative presented himself at the Dasmariñas Component City Police Station in the evening, accompanied by his legal counsel, as authorities moved to enforce the warrant regarding eight counts of cyberlibel.
Legal Stakes of the Cyberlibel Charges
The arrest warrant stems from a series of legal complaints filed against the congressman. According to reports from Rappler and Inquirer, the charges involve allegations that Barzaga publicly claimed members of the National Unity Party were bribed by businessman Enrique Razon to support former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. In addition to the complaint lodged by Razon, Antipolo Representative Ronaldo Puno and Manila Representative Rolando Valeriano are also listed as complainants in the case.
The court has set bail at P48,000 for each of the eight counts, totaling P384,000. These charges represent a significant escalation in the legal scrutiny surrounding the lawmaker’s online conduct, which has been the subject of intense debate within the House of Representatives.
Legislative Suspension and Pattern of Misconduct
The legal developments follow a period of internal disciplinary action against the representative. Barzaga has been under suspension from the House of Representatives since December 2025. His initial 60-day suspension was extended by his colleagues for an additional two months, citing a pattern of continuing misconduct. The House ethics committee previously scrutinized his online behavior, which included inflammatory remarks regarding the late Antipolo Congressman Romeo Acop and alleged unruly conduct toward his legislative colleagues.
While Barzaga previously issued an apology regarding his unsubstantiated claims against the billionaire businessman, the legal proceedings regarding the cyberlibel counts have continued to advance. His current status remains under the custody of the Dasmariñas City police as the case moves through the judiciary.
The surrender of a sitting, albeit suspended, lawmaker on multiple counts of cyberlibel underscores the hardening of judicial boundaries regarding digital speech and professional accountability for high-ranking officials in the Philippines.