Two Young Congressmen... AreThey For Real?

In the realm of Filipino politics, Congressman Leandro Leviste and Congressman Francisco Barzaga have emerged as two young figures who often leave the public scratching their heads in amusement. 

They are one of those few pairings that are delightfully unpredictable. Known for their lighthearted banter and comedic timing, these two often find themselves in humorous predicaments.

Picture this: during a live event, Kiko attempts to showcase his vocal prowess but accidentally turns it into a stand-up comedy routine, leaving Congressman Leviste in stitches while trying to maintain his composure as a serious politician. 

Their dynamic duo serves as a reminder that even amidst the seriousness of public service, laughter can be found in unexpected places ...even in Congress.

Their youthful exuberance and sometimes outlandish statements can make one wonder if they are genuinely serious about their roles or simply auditioning for a reality show. 

For instance, Leandro Leviste has made headlines for unconventional, high-profile actions rather than typical legislative humor. His actions have been described by some as "magical" or "dramatic" in his approach to anti-corruption

campaigns.

Leviste accused a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineer of trying to bribe him with ₱3.1 million in August 2025 to stop a probe into flood control projects. He famously declared that "bribing this guy is akin to committing career harakiri" due to his existing wealth.

He was also accused of joining a group of "attention-deficient" lawmakers (sometimes dubbed the "Meow Squad" in political commentary) aimed at making noise for political leverage.

He claimed to have obtained sensitive documents, known as the "Cabral Files," from a deceased DPWH official, leading to controversies over how they were acquired.

On the other hand, Kiko Barzaga is noted for his unconventional, performative, and disruptive style, such as saying "meow" during sessions ... even when using social media. Supporters see that as defying traditional, "boring" legislative decorum, while critics see it as trivializing serious debate. 

That attitude is more fitting in a rowdy high school classroom than the hallowed halls of Congress. 

Kiko Barzaga also gained notoriety for a "chaotic" and satirical style often described as "shitposting," which included the following humorous or irreverent acts:

He branded himself as a "Big PosaCat," using cat emojis, "meow" language, and memes to criticize other politicians, including layering cat faces over them on social media.

He reportedly barged into a colleague's office, sat on a monoblock chair, and sarcastically told them to "sit down" while declaring his own plans for the House, which was seen as a disruptive, albeit "funny" to some, way of challenging the status quo.

He also made lighthearted, yet provocative, jokes about bringing airsoft guns to a protest and "bringing an end to this corrupt government". 

His actions, often described as "unusual behavior" for a member of Congress, were part of a, at times, desperate, at times, calculated attempt to make politics more engaging, though they eventually led to severe backlash, including multiple cyberlibel complaints.

As these two congressmen navigate their political careers with what appears to be an unintentional comedic flair, one can't help but wonder if they are fully aware of how entertainingly absurd they can be. 

Their interactions often resemble those unexpected twists in performances ... moments where you’re not quite sure whether to applaud or chuckle at the sheer unpredictability.

Just as judges in music competitions balance appreciation for creativity with traditional expectations in music competitions, ... voters find themselves balancing admiration for youthful enthusiasm with skepticism about their political acumen. 

Ultimately, whether Leviste and Barzaga are serious politicians or just comedic relief is up for debate—but one thing is certain: they keep us entertained while we ponder the future of Philippine governance.

Their amusing anecdotes in the lower house not only entertain but also highlight how humor can bridge gaps between different worlds—politics and performance art.