MANILA, Dec. 2 -- The chairperson of the House Committee on Ethics on Tuesday pushed back against Cavite Rep. Francisco "Kiko" Barzaga's claim that he was being "silenced" for criticizing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his administration, stressing that his suspension stemmed from clear violations of ethics rules and not from dissent or political views.

In a press briefing, 4Ps Party-list Rep. JC Abalos said the findings were clear-cut and showed that Barzaga violated Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, Rule 20 of the House Rules, and the standards expected of a member of Congress.

Last Monday, the House plenary - acting on the ethics panel's recommendations - suspend...