MANILA, Philippines — Retired Philippine Air Force Major General Romeo Poquiz, convenor of the anti-corruption group United People’s Initiative (UPI), has strongly condemned the sedition and related charges filed against him, calling the legal action “clear harassment and intimidation” meant to silence critics of the government.
Poquiz was arrested on January 5, 2026 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) shortly after arriving from a vacation abroad, based on an arrest warrant issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 77 for allegedly inciting to sedition and rebellion. The charges are connected to his participation and remarks during public demonstrations held at the People Power Monument in November 2025, where he and fellow retired officers criticized government officials and called for accountability over alleged corruption, particularly in flood control projects.
Right after his arrest and while posting bail later that afternoon, Poquiz publicly rejected the accusations. He described the complaint as “panggigipit at pananakot” (harassment and intimidation) intended to suppress dissent and discourage citizens from speaking out against corruption.
Sa harap ng media, sinabi niya na ang kanyang mga pahayag ay pagpapahayag ng damdamin ng publiko laban sa umano’y malawakang katiwalian — at hindi seditious na panawagan para pabagsakin ang gobyerno. Ani Poquiz, “ang mga nagsusumbong laban sa korapsyon at nagpapahayag ng galit ng taumbayan ay siya pa ang kinakasuhan.”
Poquiz’s lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, also criticized how the arrest was carried out and framed the complaint as part of a broader attempt to weaponize legal processes. Topacio alleged their team was not allowed to confer with Poquiz immediately during the arrest and described the overall move as an effort to sideline critics rather than target actual corruption.
He said the complaint appears aimed at silencing voices opposing corruption, rather than punishing wrongdoing — especially noting that high-profile figures accused in corruption scandals have not faced similar consequences.
Authorities, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP), maintained that the process followed legal protocols, stressing that the rule of law applies universally and that freedom of expression must be exercised within legal limits. They noted that the inciting to sedition charge is grounded in specific statements alleged to encourage withdrawal of support from the government, which can be punishable under Philippine law.
Poquiz posted bail of ₱48,000 and was temporarily released pending further court proceedings. His arraignment and pre-trial activities are scheduled in the coming weeks as the judicial process unfolds.
The case has sparked intense debate across the political spectrum. Supporters of Poquiz and critics of the administration frame the complaint as stifling dissent, while law enforcement and some analysts argue that public figures — including retired military leaders — must remain accountable to the law when engaging in politically charged rhetoric that could be interpreted as encouraging rebellion or sedition.
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