MANILA, Philippines — The expulsion of Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga from the House of Representatives has raised a key question: Is his political career over, or can he make a comeback in the next elections?
The House voted overwhelmingly on June 2 to expel Barzaga following findings by the Committee on Ethics and Privileges that he repeatedly violated House rules and engaged in disorderly conduct. The move made him one of the few lawmakers in recent history to be removed from office through expulsion.
With the House action taking immediate effect, Barzaga no longer holds his congressional seat, leaving the representation of Cavite’s 4th District in question.
Vacancy in Congress
The expulsion creates a vacancy in the district’s congressional seat. Election and House officials are expected to determine whether a special election will be called or whether the position will remain vacant until the next regular polls.
The development marks a dramatic turn for the veteran lawmaker, whose clashes with colleagues and House leadership ultimately led to the unprecedented sanction.
Can Barzaga Run Again?
Legal experts note that expulsion from the House does not automatically translate into a ban from seeking public office in the future.
Unlike criminal convictions that carry penalties of perpetual disqualification or rulings by the Commission on Elections that bar a candidate from running, a House expulsion is primarily a disciplinary measure that removes a member from office.
Unless Barzaga is later disqualified through a separate court ruling or election-related proceeding, he may still file a certificate of candidacy and seek to return to Congress in future elections.
Political Future Still Uncertain
Whether Barzaga chooses to mount a political comeback remains to be seen. However, the controversy surrounding his removal is expected to become a major issue in Cavite politics and could shape voter sentiment should he decide to run again.
For now, while Barzaga has lost his seat in the House, the door to another congressional bid appears to remain open—leaving his political fate ultimately in the hands of the electorate.
