Kiko Barzaga meets Baste Duterte in Makati, drawing public attention after the suspended congressman shared photos of a private gathering with local officials.

Suspended lawmaker Kiko Barzaga drew public attention after sharing a social media post showing him in a meeting with Sebastian Duterte, widely known as Mayor Baste Duterte, highlighting a private gathering that included several local officials and government representatives in Makati City.

In a post published on January 30, 2026, Barzaga shared photos taken at a hotel in Makati, where he was seated alongside Mayor Duterte and other officials. The caption simply read, “Meeting with Mayor Baste @Fairmont Hotel, Makati City,” offering limited details about the purpose or agenda of the meeting. The post quickly circulated online, prompting discussion among netizens and political observers due to Barzaga’s current suspension and the presence of prominent local leaders.

Also visible in the photos were Kidapawan City Mayor Pao Evangelista, Isabela Vice Mayor Harold Respicio, and Davao City Information Officer Harvey Lantiscse. The group appeared relaxed, seated around a dining table, suggesting an informal meeting rather than an official public event.

Neither Barzaga nor Mayor Duterte provided additional context regarding the topics discussed during the meeting. There was no indication whether the gathering was related to policy matters, inter-local government coordination, or personal discussions. As of writing, no official statements have been released by the Davao City government or the offices of the other officials present.

Barzaga, who remains suspended pending the resolution of issues surrounding his term, has maintained a public presence through social media but has largely refrained from detailed commentary on political developments. His appearance alongside sitting local executives, however, has fueled speculation online, with some users questioning the nature of the meeting while others cautioned against drawing conclusions without verified information.

Mayor Duterte, the youngest son of former president Rodrigo Duterte, has generally kept his engagements low-profile, focusing on local governance and administrative matters in Davao City. His presence at a private meeting outside the city, while not unprecedented, often attracts attention due to his political lineage and position.

Political analysts note that informal meetings among local leaders are not uncommon and do not necessarily indicate formal alliances or policy coordination. They add that, in the absence of official disclosures, such gatherings should be viewed with caution and not immediately interpreted as political maneuvering.

The photos, credited to Barzaga’s Facebook account, continue to circulate online as discussions persist regarding transparency and the public’s interest in interactions involving elected officials. Until further clarification is issued, the meeting remains a private engagement, with its significance open to interpretation.