Puno described the claims as “baseless, reckless, and malicious,” saying Barzaga offered no evidence while accusing the party of criminal conduct.
No contest, no payoff
Barzaga alleged NUP congressmen were paid to support Speaker Martin Romualdez during the 2025 speakership vote.
“The Speaker ran unopposed. There was no contest. To claim that bribes were paid in a situation where there was no contest at all defies logic,” Puno said.
NUP to sue
Puno said the allegations targeted the entire NUP, one of the largest blocs in the House of Representatives and closely associated with Razon’s group.
“He chose to malign all members of the NUP, a party once led by his own father and one that he himself joined. To turn around and accuse the NUP of criminal conduct, without evidence, shows a reckless and deeply irresponsible contempt for the truth,” Puno said.
“I will be filing cases against him,” Puno said.
“Other NUP members who were similarly maligned will be filing their own cases as well,” he added.
“We will see him in court,” Puno added.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
