MAY 1, 2026 — Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga has officially joined PDP Laban, with party spokesman Ferdinand Topacio hailing him as a “perfect fit” and a symbol of uncompromising patriotism. His move comes after suspensions and controversies in the House, positioning him now within the Duterte-led party’s fold.

Cavite congressman Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga has formally taken his oath as a member of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban), the party closely associated with former president Rodrigo Duterte. The ceremony was held on April 29, 2026, marking Barzaga’s shift from the National Unity Party (NUP), where he had previously been a member.

Deputy national spokesman Ferdinand Topacio was effusive in welcoming Barzaga:

“Rep. Barzaga is a perfect fit for the PDP, having shown exceptional and admirable principles of nationalism and the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of overwhelming resistance from the majority in the House, which is trying to cover up unprecedented levels of corruption and dysfunctional governance.”

Topacio even added a playful twist: “Sa pag-anib ni Rep. Barzaga sa PDP, maka-CAT-ulong siya ng malaki sa aming adhikain bilang magpatuloy bilang tunay na oposisyon, at labanan ang PUSAkal na mga mandarambong sa kasalukuyang pamahalaan. To Kiko, we all say, MEOWcome to PDP! This is where you belong!”

Barzaga’s entry into PDP comes after a turbulent period in the House. He was suspended twice — first in December 2025 for disorderly behavior linked to social media posts, and again in February 2026 for “utter contempt for institutional standards.” House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin even raised the possibility of expulsion due to repeated misconduct.

Despite these penalties, Barzaga remained defiant, saying the sanctions were distractions from investigations into alleged irregularities in flood control projects. 

“This is still pushing the issue away from the flood control [mess] … as well as the rampant corruption that we see within the government right now,” he told reporters.

Barzaga’s move strengthens PDP Laban’s positioning as an opposition force, especially with its ties to the Duterte family and allies like Senators Bong Go and Robin Padilla. For Caviteños and the broader public, this signals a politician who thrives on controversy but now finds a new platform to amplify his criticisms of corruption and governance.

The question now is whether Barzaga’s fiery stance will resonate with everyday folk or further polarize the already fragmented political landscape.

What do you think of Barzaga’s move? Smart political maneuver or simply grasping at straws?

(Image: Congressman Kiko Barzaga | Facebook)