Batangas 1st District Rep. Legarda Leviste drew attention in Congress after openly expressing admiration for Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga. “Hanga ako sa kanya,” Leviste said during a media interview, emphasizing his respect for Barzaga’s independent stance in the House of Representatives. He added that Congress needs more lawmakers unafraid to challenge party lines and speak their minds. “Kailangan ng mas maraming independent voices sa Kongreso,” he said.
Leviste described Barzaga as a model of integrity and independence in a political environment often dominated by alliances and strategic silence. “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to my death your right to say it,” Leviste added, quoting Voltaire to underline his support for open debate in Congress. The statement, according to Leviste, reflects the kind of integrity and courage he sees in Barzaga’s leadership.
Barzaga, who recently left the National Unity Party (NUP) and has taken a more independent path, has built a reputation for assertiveness and dissent on key legislative issues. When asked about reports of possible ethics complaints against Barzaga from Lakas-CMD members, Leviste said he had no knowledge of any such proceedings and preferred to focus on his committee work on infrastructure and the national budget. “Ako po ay naka-focus sa DPWH at sa budget,” he said.
Leviste also gave credit to the House of Representatives for upholding free speech. “Mabuti ang free speech at ang plurality of voices dito sa Kongreso. And I would like to credit Congress for allowing other members to speak openly with different opinions. There are many members of the minority who have also given their own very informative speeches about the budget this past week, and this is all very useful for the legislative process. I think it is credit to Congress that I can give this press briefing in the House Media Center—nagpapasalamat po ako sa 20th Congress for allowing us to express these views,” he said.
Leviste’s remarks underscored his consistent call for transparency, integrity, and independence in legislative work. His statements reinforced the idea that open discourse and mutual respect among lawmakers remain essential to effective governance.
