Barzaga surrenders to police amid arrest warrant for cyberlibel

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MANILA, Philippines – Suspended lawmaker Kiko Barzaga surrendered to police authorities on Monday, April 13, after a court issued an arrest warrant over his cyberlibel case.

According to a spot report, Barzaga presented himself at the Dasmariñas Component City Police Station at 6:59 pm, accompanied by legal counsel.

The Cavite 4th District representative’s surrender came hours after the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 147 in Makati City issued an arrest warrant against him in relation to eight counts of cyberlibel.

Tycoon Enrique Razon previously slapped the neophyte congressman with a cyberlibel case after the latter accused the billionaire, without proof, of bribing members of the National Unity Party (NUP), his former affiliation. Barzaga later apologized for his remarks.

Bail was recommended at P48,000 for each count.

Rappler has reached out to Barzaga’s staff for his side, but has yet to receive a response. Barzaga has been suspended in the House since December over his reckless social media behavior.

Barzaga had been accused of inciting sedition over posts that jokingly talked about setting the Batasang Pambansa on fire.

His initial 60-day suspension lapsed in February, but his colleagues extended the punishment for another two months due to supposed continuing misconduct. The ethics committee took notice of Barzaga’s online vilification of the late Antipolo congressman Romeo Acop, and his unruly behavior toward his colleagues and a “private individual,” an apparent reference to Razon.

Suspension is the second most severe penalty that can be imposed on a House member, next only to expulsion. – Rappler.com