MANILA, Philippines — A sharp exchange inside the House of Representatives has once again exposed how unresolved controversies continue to shape political discourse in the country. Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga described as “very dramatic” the expression of sympathy made by former Health Secretary and Iloilo Rep. Janet Garin following his 60-day suspension approved by the House of Representatives.

Garin, during a privilege speech, said she felt “awa” or pity for Barzaga, suggesting that his suspension could be a time for reflection on personal matters. Her remarks, however, were quickly rebuffed. Barzaga made it clear that he neither welcomed nor accepted Garin’s sympathy, arguing that her concern would be better directed toward those allegedly harmed by the Dengvaxia vaccination program. “Mas mabuti kung maawa siya doon sa mga naapektuhan ng Dengvaxia,” Barzaga said, shifting the conversation back to one of the most polarizing public health controversies in recent Philippine history.

The clash is more than a personal spat. It highlights how political accountability is often filtered through past grievances and unresolved national traumas. For Barzaga, Garin’s words ring hollow, especially given her association with Dengvaxia, a program that continues to divide public opinion and erode trust in government-led health initiatives. For Garin, her statement frames the suspension as an opportunity for introspection, subtly reinforcing the Ethics Committee’s decision, which she herself supported.

This episode raises deeper questions about sincerity, responsibility, and memory in Philippine politics. When sympathy is expressed by those linked to controversial policies, is it an act of statesmanship or a calculated political gesture? And when lawmakers invoke past scandals to counter present criticism, does it promote accountability or merely prolong political score-settling? In a political environment where public trust is already fragile, these exchanges matter. They shape how citizens perceive justice, empathy, and leadership inside institutions meant to serve them. At the end of the day, are such confrontations helping the nation confront its past and improve governance—or are they simply another reminder of how personal and political conflicts remain deeply entangled? (Larawan mula sa: Kiko Barzaga / Facebook; Wikipedia)