The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) rejected what it described as recycled and misleading accusations hurled by Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga involving an alleged “personal allowance increase” for military chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. and the supposed P15-billion “ghost projects” under its infrastructure program, warning that spreading false claims may put him in legal jeopardy.

The AFP stated that the claims, which resurfaced through a video posted by Barzaga on his Facebook account over the weekend, distorted existing information and were being used to cast doubt on the institution amid heightened political tensions.

“These false narratives are not new. They have been maliciously resurfaced to sow distrust and drag the AFP into the current political issues,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said on Monday, Nov. 24.

In the 1:07-minute long clip, Barzaga claimed that Brawner “has lost the trust of the Filipino people” after he showed a viral video revealing a private video call involving former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, and Brawner.

According to Barzaga, Brawner “is stated to have received an increase in his allowance.”

But the AFP reiterated that the video dates back to December 2024 and refers to the adjustment of subsistence allowance for all AFP personnel, a long-delayed increase that began in December 2023.

The military stressed that no exclusive or special allowance was granted to Brawner.

The AFP also dismissed as baseless the allegation of P15 billion worth of “ghost projects” under the Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad (TIKAS) program as claimed by Barzaga.

The Cavite lawmaker alleged that ghost projects within the AFP would “severely diminish” the country’s chances of survival amid an “imminent war” with China due to escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

“Claims of ‘P15B ghost projects’ are also entirely false,” Trinidad said. “The AFP does not receive or disburse these funds.”

Under the TIKAS program, the AFP stated that project funds are lodged with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which oversees the entire process from planning and procurement to construction and turnover.

The AFP expressed concern that the renewed circulation of debunked narratives aims to erode public confidence in the organization at a time when it seeks to insulate itself from partisan conflict.

“The AFP remains professional, disciplined, and non-partisan,” Trinidad said as he urged the public to verify information and be wary of attempts to create division.

The military has not indicated whether it will seek legal action but said it is closely monitoring the spread of the false claims.

However, Trinidad said: "The AFP is in constant coordination with our counterparts as we provide information support during their case build-ups and appropriate charges filed against Rep Kiko such as inciting to sedition and inciting to rebellion."

Earlier this month, the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) filed a complaint against Barzaga for inciting to sedition (Article 142, Revised Penal Code) and inciting to rebellion (Article 138, RPC). The complaint stems from violent incidents that occurred during a rally on September 21 in Mendiola and Recto, both in Manila.

Investigators said Barzaga issued statements and posted recorded speeches on his Facebook page calling for the ouster of President Marcos Jr., alleging various anomalies under the administration. He has also publicly pushed for the secession of Mindanao and the Visayas from what he described as a “corrupt and Manila-centric government.”

The Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office issued subpoenas directing Barzaga to appear for preliminary investigation hearings on Nov. 18 and 25. The complaint additionally cites possible violations of Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175) for allegedly committing these offenses through information and communication technologies.

Barzaga's tirades came a month after he was delisted as a military reservist by the Philippine Army (PA) due to alleged seditious statements while wearing a military uniform.