FILE

Businessman Enrique Razon Jr. has filed two counts of cyber libel against Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga, following a controversial social media post that accused him of bribery ahead of the 2025 elections.

The complaint, filed before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office, stems from a Facebook post published by Barzaga on January 9, in which he alleged that several members of the National Unity Party (NUP) received bribes from Razon in exchange for supporting then House Speaker Martin Romualdez. The post has since been deleted.

Razon’s camp said the accusations were false, malicious, and damaging, noting that the post had already circulated widely online before it was taken down.

NUP officials swiftly denied the allegations. House Deputy Speaker and NUP chairperson Ronaldo Puno earlier said the claims had no factual basis and indicated that the party was prepared to pursue legal action against Barzaga over the post.

Despite the filing of the complaint, Barzaga has maintained his criticism, saying he is willing to face the case and reiterating his view that wealthy businessmen wield excessive influence over Philippine politics. He also argued that elected officials have a duty to speak out against what they perceive as wrongdoing.

The cyber libel case adds to mounting tensions between political figures and prominent business leaders, underscoring renewed debates over money, power, and accountability in Philippine politics.