The political firestorm surrounding Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga reached a critical juncture as the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) formally filed complaints against him for Inciting to Sedition and Inciting to Rebellion. The charges, stemming from a series of highly inflammatory public remarks and social media posts, mark a significant escalation in the lawmaker’s clash with the current administration.
Rep. Barzaga himself confirmed the legal action, sharing a photograph of the complaint document on his Facebook page. The post that drew particular scrutiny read, “Bongbong Marcos, how many people has your father killed or imprisoned before he was removed from power? This will not stop us, this will only make the revolution stronger!” This message, interpreted by observers as a direct and defiant challenge to the sitting government, is central to the CIDG’s case.
The Office of the City Prosecutor (OCP) in Quezon City has since issued a subpoena, requiring Barzaga to appear on November 17 and 25 for a preliminary investigation. This process is crucial, as it will determine if there is probable cause sufficient to elevate the case to a full court trial.
The formal charges cite a pattern of highly seditious statements. Most prominently, Barzaga has publicly and repeatedly urged the public to initiate a “people power” movement to unseat President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., alleging widespread corruption, particularly in flood control projects. This call for mass action against a duly constituted government is a core element of the inciting to rebellion complaint.
Further compounding his legal woes are his comments advocating for the secession of Mindanao and the Visayas from the Philippines. Barzaga claimed that Metro Manila politicians were corrupt and that the southern and central regions were being treated as “less important.” Adding to the controversy, the charges also take into account his social media activity, including a jesting post about the Batasang Pambansa (House of Representatives) being set on fire, which authorities view as potentially seditious. Even his peculiar “meow-meow” interjections during House sessions, criticized by colleagues like Deputy Speaker Janette Garin, have been cited as inappropriate behavior.
The CIDG’s criminal charges are not the only consequence Barzaga faces. The National Unity Party (NUP), from which he had already resigned, filed an ethics complaint citing violations of rules, including failing to reflect creditably on the House and engaging in unlawful acts. Before these complaints, Barzaga had already left the NUP and stepped down as an assistant majority leader amidst accusations of plotting to oust the then-Speaker. He subsequently joined the minority bloc as an independent member.
In a related move, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also removed Barzaga from his post as an Army reservist. While the AFP stated the action was purely administrative, it followed closely on the heels of the mounting controversy.
Despite the mounting legal and political pressure, Barzaga remains defiant, stating he is prepared to present his defense before both the ethics committee and the courts, maintaining that his actions represent a necessary stand against corruption. The preliminary investigation hearings in November will be key to determining the trajectory of this high-profile case.