MANILA, Dec. 2 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had no involvement in, or influence over, the House of Representatives' decision to suspend Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga, Malacanang said Tuesday, stressing that the matter is solely within the lower chamber's jurisdiction.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President "fully respects" the authority of the House to impose disciplinary actions on its members.

"Desisyon po iyan ng House of Representatives... So, iginagalang po ng Pangulo kung anuman ang desisyon ng House of Representatives (That is a decision of the House of Representatives, and the President respects whatever decision the House makes)," Castro told reporter...