Cavite Lawmaker Files Ethics Complaint Against House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno

Cavite Representative Francis Barzaga has submitted a formal ethics complaint against House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno, alleging that Puno made unwarranted accusations about Barzaga's mental health without providing any medical documentation or credible evidence.\n\nIn a detailed six-page petition filed with the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, Barzaga asserted that Puno engaged in conduct violating the 1987 Constitution along with the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.\n\nThe complaint emerged following Puno’s public statement that the National Unity Party (NUP) would initiate an ethics case against Barzaga. Barzaga argued that Puno’s attempt to leverage the Ethics Committee against him constitutes an infringement on his constitutional right to freely voice opinions on public matters.\n\n"By exploiting the committee as a tool to silence dissent, the respondent effectively shielded himself from legitimate scrutiny and sought to evade responsibility," the complaint stated.\n\nBarzaga also criticized Puno for unnecessarily bringing up aspects of his private life, referencing cosplay photographs and social media content from before he assumed office in July 2025. According to Barzaga, these actions amount to harassment and violate his privacy.\n\nThis development highlights ongoing tensions within the House, with Barzaga defending his right to critical expression while challenging what he describes as an abuse of institutional mechanisms by a senior official.