Barzaga slapped with inciting to sedition, rebellion raps
MANILA, Philippines — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has lodged a criminal complaint against Rep. Kiko Barzaga (Cavite, 4th District) for allegedly inciting sedition and rebellion.
Barzaga confirmed the complaint himself in a Facebook post on Wednesday, November 12, after receiving a subpoena to appear before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Quezon City.
Inciting to sedition involves urging others to disturb public peace, defy lawful authorities, or spread hatred and contempt against the government without the intent to overthrow it.
Meanwhile, inciting to rebellion refers to encouraging others to rise up and overthrow or weaken the government itself.
Barzaga has used his social media accounts to post statements urging President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to resign and alleging involvement of other officials in the flood control corruption investigation, without providing evidence.
He also claimed that there were threats of war in Mindanao amid his calls for secession under the Marcos administration.
Aside from a criminal complaint, Barzaga already faces an ethics complaint at the House of Representatives over his allegedly "reckless" behavior and "offensive" posts.
According to the subpoena, Barzaga will have to make his appearance on November 18 and 25. No postponement will be granted unless on exceptionally meritorious grounds," the subpoena read.
It also states that no motion to dismiss will be entertained, which means only counter-affidavits will be accepted.
Should Barzaga choose not to submit a counter affidavit, the Office of the City Prosecutor said it would be deemed as waiving his right to present his own evidence challenging the allegations against him.
The Philippine Army removed Barzaga from the reserve force over social media posts deemed seditious, including one in which he wore a military uniform while calling for President Marcos’ removal.
He was enlisted as a private only in January this year.
Despite already having a criminal complaint filed against him, Barzaga still posted on Facebook a call to "make the revolution stronger" against the Marcos admin.
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