Written By: Angel Chrizel Pabuayon
THE COUNCILOR. City Councilor Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga poses for a portrait for the annual celebration of the Butterfly Festival on October 29, 2021. Photo released by Kiko Barzaga’s official Facebook page.
Brilliant. Charismatic. Compassionate. Excellent leader and follower. These are only a few of the attributes that have defined a politician throughout the previous several decades. However, as a new generation of politicians emerges, the setup evolves into a more engaging one on social media.
There is the youngest councilor in the City of Dasmariñas named Francisco "Kiko" A. Barzaga who acquired popularity on social media by claiming to be the "Coolest City Councilor in Cavite" because he interacts with and understands his diverse audience.
Kiko is one of the three sons of the Honorable Congressman Elpidio F. Barzaga Jr.and Mayor Jenny A. Barzaga who served as his mentor leading him to where he is right now in political stature.
The councilor openly expresses himself on his official Facebook page and account, where he highlights his successes, daily activities, events, and even his political views.
Some members of the audience like Kiko's candidness and lack of filter when it comes to what he says and thinks, while others dislike his worldview and background.
He carries out his duties as a councilor, lately co-awarding the Tulong Puhunan Program in Dasmaville Subdivision, Zone I, and relief items distribution in Salawag's Fairway View Subdivision.
Moreover, he shared his change on the presidential bet which now supports dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ son and former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.
“I didn’t switch for power, wealth, or gratitude. I switched to BBM/Sara because they are the key to our country’s prosperous future,” Kiko explained in a post.
On the other hand, the clicking of keyboards was audible as Kiko's critics intensified when he posted various polls on his page wherein he posted many polls on his page asking for people's preferences between Team Barzaga (which includes his parents) and Vice President Leni Robredo, with the latter receiving the most reactions or votes.
“Barzaga minus Kiko had done an excellent job in Dasma,” John Araneta remarked in response to the survey.
Another poll he conducted was between the vice president and Bongbong Marcos Jr. At the time, many political hues were painted in the post's comment section, but it ended in the vice president's victory and the loss of councilor's presidential bet.
During the Team Dasma (a group of candidates where he and his family belong) Proclamation Rally on the 27th of March 2022, they expressed their support for the running of the vice president.
Kiko, on the other hand, still has the courage of his convictions in his support for the dictator's son, despite the fact that the family of his presidential candidate owes a total of 203 billion pesos in unpaid estate taxes.
On the same day, the youngest councilor caused a stir by interrupting his father, Cong. Barzaga's, speech and asking the congressman, "Ba't Leni 'to? 'Kala ko ba BBM tayo?" Then he says "BBM!" and tries to get the audience to join him, but fails.
However, his scandals do not end there, as aside from his duties as a councilor, he also publishes "statements" on his Facebook page intended to destroy the current vice president's character and to attack Kris Aquino, which were eventually debunked as false information by the independent fact-checkers from Facebook.
Last 2020, an event occurred in which Kiko made his audience scowl, leaving them in disbelief, as he responded with "haha" or laughter to a message intended to correct and bring justice to the horrific execution of two innocent citizens by a police officer.
The same year also, he made the people’s blood boil by making a post and a remark equating him to a red-tagger and a racist, respectively.. “Hindi naman lahat ng aktibista ay terrorista, siguro mga 95% lang sa kanila ay NPA,” he stated in a deleted post which some people had a screenshot. “Kept out of news? yall niggas r hopeless lmao,” he replied in a comment.
Choosing to be in the political spotlight is a double-edged sword. However, can we rely on this type of politician—one who engages and likes the clout of the masses—to genuinely lead us toward the nation’s development? Think again.
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