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Puno Files Cyber-Libel Complaint Against Barzaga Over Bribery Claims
Photo credit: Ronnie Puno
Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno has filed a cyber-libel complaint against Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga following a social media post that accused Puno and other National Unity Party (NUP) lawmakers of receiving bribes from businessman Enrique Razon.
The complaint was filed on Tuesday at the Office of the City Prosecutor in Antipolo. It stemmed from Barzaga’s January 9 Facebook post, in which he claimed that NUP congressmen accepted bribes at gatherings linked to business interests in exchange for supporting Speaker Martin Romualdez during the 2025 elections.
Puno’s camp said the post is false and was published through Barzaga’s verified Facebook page, which has a large following. The complaint also noted that the post was widely shared and discussed online, reaching a broad audience through social media and other platforms.
The complaint also traced the dispute back to an earlier ethics case filed by Puno and 28 other lawmakers against Barzaga. The House Committee on Ethics and Privileges previously found Barzaga guilty of disorderly behavior and recommended a 60-day suspension without pay, warning that further violations would result in harsher penalties. The committee also ordered the removal of the posts involved in that case.
Puno’s complaint says Barzaga did not deny ownership of the posts and confirmed that the content was posted by his page editor under his direction. The complaint further states that Barzaga posted the January 9 allegation while still under suspension.
Puno described the Facebook post as retaliation against him and other NUP members who had initiated ethics proceedings. He said the accusations are serious and should not be spread to millions of viewers without consequences.
In the complaint, Puno argues that Barzaga’s statements meet the elements of cyber-libel under the Cybercrime Prevention Act because they publicly imputed a criminal act—bribery—against him. He also asserted that the post is not protected by parliamentary immunity since it was made outside Congress and was not related to his legislative duties.
Puno denied ever receiving any bribe from Enrique Razon or anyone else and said he would pursue legal action to clear his name. He added that other NUP members named in the allegations are preparing their own complaints.
“Actions have consequences, especially when they are malicious and clearly intended to destroy reputations without any basis,” Puno said. “You cannot casually accuse someone of a crime, broadcast it to millions, and expect to hide behind social media antics. We will pursue full accountability under the law.”
Puno also said he may file a civil case for damages depending on how the case develops.
The complaint was filed on Tuesday at the Office of the City Prosecutor in Antipolo. It stemmed from Barzaga’s January 9 Facebook post, in which he claimed that NUP congressmen accepted bribes at gatherings linked to business interests in exchange for supporting Speaker Martin Romualdez during the 2025 elections.
Puno’s camp said the post is false and was published through Barzaga’s verified Facebook page, which has a large following. The complaint also noted that the post was widely shared and discussed online, reaching a broad audience through social media and other platforms.
The complaint also traced the dispute back to an earlier ethics case filed by Puno and 28 other lawmakers against Barzaga. The House Committee on Ethics and Privileges previously found Barzaga guilty of disorderly behavior and recommended a 60-day suspension without pay, warning that further violations would result in harsher penalties. The committee also ordered the removal of the posts involved in that case.
Puno’s complaint says Barzaga did not deny ownership of the posts and confirmed that the content was posted by his page editor under his direction. The complaint further states that Barzaga posted the January 9 allegation while still under suspension.
Puno described the Facebook post as retaliation against him and other NUP members who had initiated ethics proceedings. He said the accusations are serious and should not be spread to millions of viewers without consequences.
In the complaint, Puno argues that Barzaga’s statements meet the elements of cyber-libel under the Cybercrime Prevention Act because they publicly imputed a criminal act—bribery—against him. He also asserted that the post is not protected by parliamentary immunity since it was made outside Congress and was not related to his legislative duties.
Puno denied ever receiving any bribe from Enrique Razon or anyone else and said he would pursue legal action to clear his name. He added that other NUP members named in the allegations are preparing their own complaints.
“Actions have consequences, especially when they are malicious and clearly intended to destroy reputations without any basis,” Puno said. “You cannot casually accuse someone of a crime, broadcast it to millions, and expect to hide behind social media antics. We will pursue full accountability under the law.”
Puno also said he may file a civil case for damages depending on how the case develops.
Jan 20, 2026
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