Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco 'Kiko' Barzaga is now facing serious criminal complaints for inciting to sedition and rebellion over his fiery remarks against authorities. The complaints were filed by the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and relate to the Cybercrime Prevention Act. The preliminary investigation is scheduled for November 18 and 25 at the Quezon City prosecutor’s office.
Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga gained online prominence for his frequent “shitposting” — pitting himself against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other officials. He also rode pro-Duterte narratives, effectively gaining the support of Duterte supporters. Vice President Sara Duterte, however, has already denied any involvement with Barzaga’s moves.
Barzaga himself confirmed the complaints on his Facebook page, which include inciting to sedition and rebellion. A separate source confirmed to Rappler the authenticity of the subpoena he posted, issued by the Quezon City prosecutor’s office. It asks the representative to submit counter-affidavits in response to the complaints filed by the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
The complaints relate to section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175 or Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, suggesting the alleged acts were done online. Under Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code, inciting to sedition involves taking part in the publication or circulation of scurrilous libels against government authorities that tend to disturb or hinder their functions, punishable by prision correccional in its maximum period and a fine not exceeding 2,000 pesos. Meanwhile, inciting to rebellion under Article 138 carries a penalty of prision mayor in its minimum period for those who incite others through speeches, writings, or representations without directly taking arms.
It’s unclear which specific acts led to the complaints against him. Recently, the young Barzaga was delisted as an Army reservist due to posts the Armed Forces deemed to be “insinuating sedition.” He is also facing a separate ethics complaint with the House of Representatives for unethical conduct, particularly statements that “potentially” incite to sedition. “I heard about him meeting Mindanao separatists in our intelligence briefing last week. Something must have come up,” a high-level source told Rappler.
Historically, the Duterte administration used sedition complaints against critics like former senator Antonio Trillanes IV. Now, under Marcos, Duterte allies face similar charges, such as those filed against Vice President Sara Duterte in February over her assassination remarks, and against Quiboloy’s lawyer Israelito Torreon and former anti-insurgency spokesperson Lorraine Badoy in October 2024.