MANILA — The House of Representatives on Monday voted 249-5-11 to suspend Rep. Kiko Barzaga of Cavite for 60 days without pay and benefits after finding him guilty of disorderly behavior over allegedly inappropriate social media posts.

The plenary session adopted the findings and recommendations of the House Committee on Ethics, which concluded that Barzaga’s posts were “inflammatory and with the tendency to unjustifiably incite public distrust with the government and House of Representatives,” according to Committee Chair Rep. JC Abalos.

“His actions reflected negatively upon the dignity, integrity, and reputation of the House of Representatives as an institution of the members of the House individually and collectively,” Abalos said. The panel cited violations of Section 141(a) of Rule 20 of the House Rules and Section 4(c) of Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Barzaga, who was present during the plenary session, accepted the committee’s decision but maintained his stance that President Ferdinand Marcos should be held accountable.

“I wholeheartedly accept the decision of the committee, but I maintain my stance that President Marcos must be held accountable for his crimes. Too many people have died, and too much money was plundered from the Filipino people for us to stand down now,” Barzaga said.

Abalos stressed that while lawmakers have the right to free speech, it “cannot be invoked in a proceeding” before the ethics committee. He added that Barzaga’s posts went beyond criticism, being “reckless, unsubstantiated, offensive, general insinuations against public institutions and public officials that undermine the people’s confidence in the government.”

The ethics committee also directed Barzaga to remove all 24 posts subject to the case within 24 hours of the plenary adoption, warning that repetition of similar misconduct could result in harsher disciplinary action.

Barzaga faces a separate criminal complaint filed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for allegedly inciting sedition and rebellion. He has also been removed from the army reserve force, despite enlisting as a private earlier this year.

The 60-day suspension will bar him from office and cut his salaries and allowances during the period.