Barzaga's Mom Files Candidacy for Vacated House Seat

MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Jennifer Barzaga of Dasmariñas, Cavite has filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) to run in the special election for the congressional seat left vacant by the expulsion of her son, Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) confirmed. Barzaga submitted her COC on the last day of filing, according to Comelec Chairman George Garcia. She becomes the fifth aspirant for the lone congressional district of Dasmariñas. Earlier, former Vice Mayor Rex Mangubat, Marvin Dupal-Ag, Jacinto Frani Jr., and Leysander Ordenes had also filed their COCs for the special election, which is scheduled for August 29. The filing period for COCs began on Wednesday. Garcia had previously stated that Kiko Barzaga is not perpetually disqualified from holding public office and could still run for the position. Kiko Barzaga was expelled by the House of Representatives for disorderly behavior, conduct unbecoming of a public official, and violation of the House Code of Conduct.