MANILA, Philippines — Retired Philippine Air Force Major General Romeo Poquiz has spoken out after his arrest on charges of inciting to sedition, clarifying why authorities say he is facing legal action and rejecting claims that he intended to overthrow the government.
Poquiz was arrested on January 5, 2026, upon his return to the Philippines at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after a vacation abroad. A warrant of arrest was served to him based on a complaint filed with the Department of Justice, and he was later granted temporary freedom after posting bail of ₱48,000 at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 77.
📌 Why Poquiz Was Charged According to court records and media reports: The sedition charge stems from Poquiz’s actions and statements during anti-corruption rallies held in November 2025 where he allegedly called on members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to withdraw support from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in relation to corruption issues.
Prosecutors allege that such calls amounted to inciting others toward rebellion and sedition, which remains a punishable offense under the Revised Penal Code even if made by a retired officer.
🗣️ Poquiz’s Explanation In his own statements after being released on bail: Poquiz denied that he ever intended to overthrow the government or instigate a coup. He said his participation in protests was meant to give voice to popular frustrations over alleged corruption, not to encourage armed rebellion.
He said he was merely exercising his constitutional right to free expression, pointing to widespread corruption concerns — especially over flood control projects and other public spending issues — that he believes have harmed ordinary Filipinos.
Poquiz reaffirmed he plans to continue his advocacy against corruption even as he faces the legal process.
🏛️ Official Position & Legal Process Authorities and law enforcement have stressed: Implementation of the arrest warrant was done in accordance with due process of law. Police and the AFP emphasized that while freedom of expression is protected, speech that incites unlawful actions — such as rebellion or sedition — can be subject to prosecution.
Poquiz’s arraignment and pretrial conference have been scheduled for January 14, 2026.
Are Nine Cabinet Members Really Leaving the Marcos Administration?
Amid social media buzz and speculation, there is no verified information confirming that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is planning to boot or accept resignations from nine Cabinet members at once.
Malacañang Palace has officially stated that: There is no confirmed Cabinet revamp involving the departure of nine secretaries at this time. A regular performance review of Cabinet officials is ongoing, but no mass changes have been announced or formally reported yet. Decisions on individual Cabinet members depend on the President’s discretion, according to Palace press officers.
In short: While regular reviews and occasional individual resignations or reshuffles happen in every administration, the claim that “nine Cabinet officials will definitely leave” remains unverified rumor as of now.
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