JANUARY 25, 2026 — The Department of Justice has confirmed that the criminal charges against suspended Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga are now ripe for resolution. After filing his counter-affidavits last January 23, the ball is now in the hands of DOJ prosecutors who must decide whether his fiery Facebook post and protest rally cross the line from free speech into criminal sedition.

Barzaga faces two sets of complaints: one for his October 2025 Facebook post supporting calls for Mindanao secession and rallying against President Marcos, and another for leading a protest in Forbes Park, Makati. The charges range from inciting to sedition and rebellion under the Revised Penal Code and Cybercrime Prevention Act, to public disturbance and violation of the Public Assembly Act. Add to that several cyber libel complaints filed by Rep. Ronaldo “Ronnie” Puno and billionaire Enrique Razon Jr., and you have a lawmaker buried under a mountain of legal battles.

Barzaga’s troubles are hardly surprising — he has long been a provocateur in the political arena, too quick with his words and careless with conclusions. His suspension without pay last December wasn’t just about silencing dissent but a reminder that accountability matters, especially for those who hold public office.

The bigger issue now is not whether Barzaga deserves the charges — his reckless Facebook post and disruptive rally speak for themselves — but how the state defines the limits of political discourse. 

When does free expression cross into dangerous incitement? And if a lawmaker can be charged for irresponsible speech, what does that mean for ordinary citizens who rant online without thinking twice?

Democracy weakens not only when dissent is criminalized, but also when accountability is ignored.

This case is about the standards we demand from leaders and the consequences of reckless rhetoric. The DOJ’s resolution will set the tone: Is this about protecting democracy, or drawing the line against those who abuse it under the guise of free speech?

(Image: Kiko Barzaga | Facebook)