Cavite Fourth District Representative Kiko Barzaga submitted a counter-affidavit to the Department of Justice (DoJ) on Thursday, responding to criminal complaints of inciting to sedition and inciting to rebellion filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The charges, filed by the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), stem from a social media post in which Barzaga allegedly called for the separation of Mindanao from the Philippines.

Authorities also cited his leadership of a 12 October anti-Marcos protest in Forbes Park, Makati, which police say was held without a permit.

Barzaga told reporters following the filing that he is confident prosecutors will dismiss the charges, arguing his actions are protected by the constitution.

“I want to stress that this is part of my right to freedom of expression, and no violence occurred during the protest,” Barzaga said, noting the demonstration remained peaceful.

The lawmaker said he hopes an accompanying ethics complaint will be resolved before he returns to Congress in February. He acknowledged that the outcome of the legal proceedings may influence how he voices criticism of the government in the future.