NBI files ethics complaint vs. Rep. Barzaga over Senate incident posts

By Jose Cielito Reganit, Philippine News Agency

ETHICS COMPLAINT. National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag (left) files a complaint before the House Ethics Committee against Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco Barzaga on Tuesday (June 2, 2026). The complaint stems from Barzaga’s unverified claims in his social media post following the shooting incident at the Senate on May 13. (PNA photo)

MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday asked the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges to investigate Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga over social media posts made during the recent shooting incident at the Senate.

The agency said Barzaga may also face criminal charges for allegedly spreading false information that implicated NBI personnel and fueled speculation that bureau agents were involved in an assassination attempt against senators.

The complaint was filed in person by NBI Director Melvin Matibag, who said Barzaga’s posts and livestreams falsely suggested that NBI agents had entered the Senate to attack some lawmakers.

Interviewed after filing the complaint, Matibag said the move was not driven by personal considerations but by the NBI’s duty to defend its personnel and institutional integrity.

“I’m filing it not on my personal position, but I’m filing it on behalf of the men and women of the NBI,” he said.

Matibag said the bureau validated nine posts from Barzaga’s account that allegedly linked NBI personnel to the supposed plot.

“There are nine posts na-trace namin sa account niya (that we traced to his account). It was validated that this is his account. He’s somehow accusing the members of the NBI pumasok sa (entered the) Senate to attempt an assassination to some of the senators,” he said.

The NBI chief said the bureau is also preparing criminal complaints against Barzaga, citing possible violations of Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes the publication of false information, as well as other offenses still under review.

“May violation under Revised Penal Code Article 154, publishing untrue statement. We’re reviewing inciting to sedition also. Also, he can be liable under the Code of Ethics of Government Officials. So patong-patong na kaso ang pwede niyang harapin (he might be facing multiple cases),” Matibag said.

He added the NBI expects to complete its review and file the criminal complaints within next week.

Matibag said he believes Barzaga’s actions warrant the strongest disciplinary action available under House rules.

“You ask me if I want him to be expelled, I think there’s enough basis for him to be expelled from the Congress,” he said.

Rejecting suggestions that the complaint could infringe on freedom of expression, Matibag argued that constitutional rights do not shield conduct that may constitute a criminal offense.

“Well, it doesn’t fall under the freedom of expression, ‘pag gumawa ka ng krimen. Alam niyo kasi ‘yung freedom of expression may limitation ‘yan (if you committed a crime. You know, the freedom of expression has limitations). That is a right guaranteed by the Constitution, but there is a law that governs also every right,” Matibag said.

“Pagka kriminal na ‘yung ginagawa mong behavior (If your behavior is already criminal in nature), it no longer falls under the freedom of expression.”

The ethics complaint comes amid heightened scrutiny over online statements and misinformation surrounding the Senate incident.

The House ethics panel will determine whether disciplinary action against Barzaga is warranted, while any criminal complaint filed by the NBI would first undergo preliminary investigation before prosecutors.

This article is republished from PNA.