Councilor Kiko Barzaga Not Detained for Alleged Collusion with VP Sara Duterte

In a political drama unfolding in the Philippines, Representative Elpidio “Kiko” Barzaga of Cavite’s 4th District faces ethics complaints from colleagues, despite false social media claims suggesting he has been arrested for allegedly colluding with Vice President Sara Duterte.

A YouTube video posted on October 14 by “TRENDING PINAS NEWS” has spread misinformation claiming Barzaga was jailed for conspiring with Duterte to evade Ombudsman prosecution. The video, which has accumulated over 14,000 views and 1,000 likes, features a sensationalized thumbnail with text reading: “Kakapasok lang! Kiko Barzaga kulong na, buking ang sabwatan sa mga Duterte; VP Sara, napahiya!” (Breaking news! Kiko Barzaga jailed, collusion with the Dutertes exposed; VP Sara was humiliated!)

However, no evidence supports these allegations. Barzaga remains free and continues to serve as a representative in the Philippine Congress. The video offers no substantiation for its claims, instead relying on stock images and irrelevant footage from an October 13 Malacañang press briefing that makes no mention of Barzaga or any arrest.

The Philippine Constitution clearly outlines that only courts can issue arrest warrants. While the House of Representatives can discipline members for improper conduct under Article VI, Section 16, such discipline is limited to censure, suspension not exceeding 60 days, or expulsion requiring a two-thirds majority vote.

What Barzaga actually faces are ethics complaints. On September 15, his former colleagues in the National Unity Party (NUP) announced plans to file complaints against him for alleged unethical conduct, particularly statements potentially inciting sedition. The NUP complaint cites four violations: failing to reflect creditably on the House, engaging in unlawful and immoral acts, inciting seditious activity, and conduct unbecoming of a congressman.

Any potential disciplinary action remains on hold until after the House’s month-long recess ends on November 10. Additionally, several members from the Lakas-CMD party are considering filing another complaint against Barzaga regarding allegations he made against fellow lawmakers.

Barzaga has undergone a significant political transformation in recent months. Once aligned with the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., he has emerged as one of its most vocal critics after joining the minority bloc. His increasingly confrontational stance has included floating plans to file an impeachment complaint against Marcos for alleged betrayal of public trust and constitutional violations.

In a recent display of his anti-administration stance, Barzaga joined protesters at a rally outside Forbes Park in Makati shortly before his next scheduled ethics hearing.

Vice President Sara Duterte has publicly distanced herself from the embattled lawmaker, clarifying that while Barzaga aligned with the UniTeam coalition during the 2022 elections, “he is his own person” and she does not “control” him in any way.

The false arrest claims highlight the continuing challenge of misinformation in Philippine politics, where sensationalized social media content often spreads unchecked, particularly during periods of political tension. The situation with Barzaga demonstrates how quickly fabricated claims can gain traction online, even when easily disproven through official sources and constitutional provisions.

As the House prepares to reconvene in November, the outcome of the ethics complaints against Barzaga will likely become a focal point in ongoing tensions between administration allies and critics.