The political spotlight remains on former Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga following his expulsion from the House of Representatives, as COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia clarified that the move does not automatically prevent him from seeking public office again.
Garcia explained that Barzaga may still file his Certificate of Candidacy, stressing that expulsion from Congress is not equivalent to a lifetime ban from politics.
“Yes, he can file his Certificate of Candidacy because his removal as a Congressman is not a perpetual disqualification to hold public office,” Garcia said.
The COMELEC chief emphasized that any challenge to Barzaga’s possible candidacy may still be elevated to the Supreme Court, but existing laws and jurisprudence do not consider expulsion as a permanent disqualification.
“Based on our laws, existing Supreme Court decisions, and legal provisions, this is not a ground for perpetual disqualification to hold public office. This expulsion is administrative in character,” Garcia added.
Meanwhile, COMELEC is preparing for a possible special election in the lone district of Dasmariñas, Cavite, following the vacancy created in the House.
Garcia said the poll body’s initial estimate places the cost of the special election at around ₱200 million, with Dasmariñas having a total voting population of 437,730 registered voters.
“The Constitution mandates us to conduct a special election not earlier than 60 days and not later than 90 days after a vacancy occurs in the House of Representatives,” Garcia said.
Based on the initial discussions of the COMELEC En Banc, the special election may be held on August 22 or August 29, 2026.
The issue surrounding Barzaga’s expulsion now highlights the balance between legislative discipline and the constitutional right of citizens to participate in public service, a matter that may continue to be tested in the legal arena.
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