By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Congressman Rolan Valeriano of Manila’s 2nd District has filed a cyber libel complaint against Cavite Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Manila.
Valeriano disclosed the filing during an ambush interview at the Manila City Hall Press Club (MCHPC) on Monday, January 21, 2025.
According to Valeriano, Barzaga made allegedly malicious statements in a Facebook post claiming that members of the National Unity Party (NUP) received bribes from businessman Enrique Razon in exchange for backing the speakership bid of Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
This is the third cyber libel complaint lodged against Barzaga. He is currently under suspension from Congress following earlier complaints filed by Razon and House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno.
The latest complaint underscores the continuing controversy surrounding Barzaga’s social media posts and once again brings into focus the boundaries of free speech in the digital space. /ia