Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had no involvement in, or influence over, the House of Representatives’ decision to suspend Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga, Malaca±ang said Tuesday, emphasizing that the matter is solely within the lower chamber’s jurisdiction.

According to Philippines News Agency, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that 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 reporters in a Palace press briefing.

Barzaga earlier insinuated that his suspension was politically driven or connected to his criticisms of the administration. Castro rejected the claim and clarified that the allegations cited against him, the supposed posting of lewd photos and disputes involving alleged disinformation about the Armed Forces of the Philippines, were unrelated to the President. ‘Hindi naman po kasama ang Pangulo noong ito ay kaniyang ginawa. So, sa ating nakikita rito, ginagamit lamang ang pangalan ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. para ma-justify ang kaniyang mga ginagawang disinformation (Those did not involve the President at all. It appears that the name of President Marcos Jr. is simply being used to justify his own actions),’ she said.