Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga confirmed that he has received a subpoena requiring him to answer charges of sedition and rebellion.
The subpoena was issued after the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed a criminal complaint against the lawmaker, citing his public statements and social media posts urging the ouster of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and calls for secession of Mindanao and Visayas from what he described as a “corrupt, Manila-centric government”.
Barzaga is required to appear before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Quezon City on November 18 and November 25 for the preliminary investigation.
The subpoena specifies that no postponement will be granted unless there are “exceptionally meritorious” grounds.
It also states that no motion to dismiss will be entertained, meaning only counter-affidavits from Barzaga’s camp will be accepted.
According to the Office of the City Prosecutor, failure to submit a counter-affidavit would mean waiving his right to present evidence to contest the allegations.
The CIDG complaint stems from Barzaga’s speeches and social media posts, including one where he appeared in military uniform calling for Marcos’ removal, and another urging supporters to “make the revolution stronger”.
Authorities also linked him to violent incidents during anti-corruption protests in Manila last September, where clashes erupted and multiple arrests were made.
Barzaga, however, has maintained that he will not be cowed by the charges, insisting his actions reflect the frustrations of ordinary citizens under the current administration.