Cavite’s political dynasties have long shaped the province, but Mayor Jenny Austria-Barzaga‘s return to Congress carries unusual weight. She won Cavite’s 4th District with 201,893 votes, while Raul Rex Mangubat received about 30,000. The victory restored the seat to the Barzagas less than three months after her son Kiko Barzaga’s expulsion. It also reinforced a family already deeply rooted in Dasmariñas politics.
The Barzagas share Cavite’s political landscape with three other prominent families: the Remullas, Revillas and Tolentinos. Each has maintained relatives in major elective positions across the province. Jenny herself previously served as Dasmariñas mayor and Cavite 4th District representative.
Her return followed a turbulent first term for Kiko. The House expelled him on June 2 through a 265–14 vote after two earlier suspensions. Lawmakers officially cited disorderly behavior, conduct unbecoming and violations of House rules and ethical standards.
Kiko had built his short congressional tenure around openly confronting alleged corruption and powerful political figures. His attacks earned him fierce opposition inside the House, which ultimately removed him within his first year in office.
The timing left Congress facing a difficult contrast. It managed to expel an elected lawmaker who loudly challenged alleged corruption within months, while lawmakers implicated in major corruption allegations have remained subjects of investigations and legal proceedings. Kiko lost his seat before many officials facing such allegations reached a final legal reckoning.
Then came the voters. Despite only 57.75% turnout, Jenny collected nearly seven times Mangubat’s votes and won by roughly 171,500.
The Barzagas have deep political roots in Dasmariñas, but the scale of Jenny’s victory remains striking. Months after Kiko’s removal became a national political spectacle, voters returned his congressional seat to his mother with an overwhelming mandate.
Congress had already delivered its judgment on Kiko. The next electoral judgment from his district placed another Barzaga in the same seat with 201,893 votes.
