Malacañang on Tuesday formally labeled Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga's calls for the ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as seditious, marking a significant escalation in political tensions.
The Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil issued a statement declaring that any call for the ouster of a sitting president involving the Armed Forces of the Philippines is not only irresponsible but seditious.
"Such statements undermine national stability and the constitutional order," Garafil said, adding that these statements pose particular risks given the current security environment.
Simultaneously, the Philippine Army announced it had removed Barzaga from its reserve force over social media posts deemed offensive and seditious, including one where he appeared in military attire.
Barzaga, who recently left the National Unity Party, confirmed his departure but denied involvement in any ouster plot against the administration.
He claimed the House of Representatives suspended him for being a vocal critic of the administration, not for seditious activities as alleged by Malacañang.
The Palace stated that statements undermining constitutional order are particularly sensitive given the current security environment facing the nation.
Barzaga has vowed to continue his calls for Marcos's removal despite the filing of inciting to sedition charges against him by authorities.
This development follows earlier incidents involving lawmakers and administration critics, with the Palace maintaining a firm stance against any efforts to destabilize the government through seditious rhetoric.
