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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Cavite Rep Kiko Barzaga files counter-affidavits on 2 criminal cases filed by PNP-CIDG

Cavite Rep Kiko Barzaga files counter-affidavits on 2 criminal cases filed by PNP-CIDG

Published Jan 22, 2026 05:24 pm
Invoking his right to free speech, Cavite 4th district Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga on Thursday, Jan. 22, asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to dismiss the charges filed against him by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation Group (PNP-CIDG).
Barzaga was charged with inciting to sedition and holding a protest rally in Makati City without a permit.
In his counter-affidavits, Barzaga told journalists: “I filed counter-affidavits to two separate cases. One is relating to my statements on Mindanao secession and the second is about the Forbes Park October 12 protest.”
In October last year, Barzaga posted a video on Facebook expressing support for the secession of Mindanao and in the anti-Marcos protest rally in Forbes Park subdivision in Makati City.
He said he defended his actions as “exercise of free speech.”
He pointed out that “the lack of any notable instances of violence during the protest means there’s no reason to believe there’s criminal intent or any disorder.”
He said that if the charges are filed before the courts, “we already have prepared our legal defense.”
Barzaga has also been charged with cyber libel. Two of the charges were those filed separately by House Deputy Speaker Antipolo City 1st District Rep. Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno and billionaire businessman Enrique K. Razon Jr.
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