MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) asked the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges to investigate Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga over his social media posts linked to a 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 claims that bureau agents were involved in an alleged assassination attempt against senators.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag personally filed the complaint, saying the move was made on behalf of agency personnel.

“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 had validated nine social media posts from Barzaga’s account that allegedly linked NBI personnel to the incident.

“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.

He said the agency is preparing possible criminal charges against the lawmaker, including violations of Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes publication of false information, as well as possible inciting to sedition and violations of the Code of Ethics for government officials.

“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.

Matibag said the NBI expects to complete its review and file criminal complaints within next week.

He also said Barzaga could face the strongest possible disciplinary action in Congress.

“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.

He rejected concerns that the complaint would violate freedom of expression, saying constitutional rights have limits when actions may constitute crimes.

“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),” 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 House Committee on Ethics and Privileges is expected to determine whether disciplinary action against Barzaga is warranted, while any criminal complaint will still undergo preliminary investigation before prosecutors.