October 20, 2025 – Philippines
Members of Lakas-CMD are reportedly considering filing an ethics complaint against Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga for allegedly spreading unverified and false claims about fellow lawmakers.
According to Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Barzaga’s posts about a recent Lakas-CMD meeting concerning Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez’s status as a state witness were unfounded. Adiong clarified that it is also untrue that the party would supposedly protect House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, former Senator Bong Revilla, or Representatives Jayjay Suarez, Roman Romulo, Adiong himself, or that First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos pressured Sen. Chiz Escudero regarding the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) investigation.
Adiong emphasized that Romulo is not a member of Lakas-CMD and was not present at the alleged meeting. Meanwhile, Majority Leader Marcos attended the gathering to thank the party for its support of the 2026 national budget.
The Lakas-CMD leadership is reportedly taking the matter seriously, noting that Barzaga’s posts may constitute defamation against members who were not present at the meeting. Party officials are contemplating an ethics complaint to address the potential harm to reputations.
Adiong also urged Barzaga to focus on legislative work and serving his district instead of spreading misinformation.