As Typhoon Uwan lashed Luzon in early November 2025, Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco 'Kiko' Barzaga made a bold and controversial move. He called for the return of the death penalty for those caught destroying vital environmental defences, including the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. The statement came on 10 November, just as reports confirmed that Typhoon Uwan weakened after crossing the Sierra Madre.
The lawmaker said stronger punishment must stop illegal logging and mining in these protected zones. He warned that continued destruction could leave the country defenceless against deadly storms. PAGASA's data showed Uwan lost strength after hitting the mountain range, sparing Metro Manila and nearby provinces from severe flooding.
