CAVITE 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga denied claims that he was opposed to the reformist politics of Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.
In an interview with showbiz personality Ogie Diaz, Barzaga stressed he had no quarrel with Sotto, contrary to speculation that he was positioning himself against him.
“Hindi ko kalaban si Vico Sotto. I admired him. He’s a great politician,” Barzaga said, adding that he even considered the Pasig mayor as one of the leaders who could help build “a better government” after ongoing political upheavals.
“I believe that, if we are given an opportunity to create a better government after the protest, after all that will happen to this country this week, I believe that Vico Sotto will be one of the builders of a better government,” Barzaga added.
He also dismissed comparisons between him and Sotto, saying their roles were different. “What’s the point of comparison? He’s an executive. I’m legislative. We serve very different purposes. I consider Vico Sotto a good man,” he said.
But when asked about Vico’s uncle Senate President Tito Sotto, Barzaga was blunt: “Si Tito Sotto, hindi. Bads ‘yan. Well, he’s very loyal to Martin Romualdez. That’s all I have to say.”
Still, Barzaga admitted that his clashes with Tito Sotto stemmed from ideological differences and his criticisms of the Senate President’s ties to House Speaker Martin Romualdez. “One disagreement lang, forever na kaming magkaaway? That’s not how it should be,” he said.
Barzaga further acknowledged being a “nepo baby,” noting that his father, former Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., was both a seasoned politician and lawyer. He admitted his family has been one of the oldest political dynasties in Cavite.
“Yes, I’m a product of nepotism. I, myself, am a product of political dynasty. And not just any dynasty—we are one of the oldest in Cavite. If I deny that, I’m denying myself,” he said.
