Retired Air Force major general and United People’s Initiative (UPI) convenor Romeo Poquiz posted bail on Monday after being arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City over an inciting to sedition case.
“Ngayon nagkaroon na ako ng release order sa judge,” Poquiz told reporters.
His bail was set at ₱48,000, according to his lawyer Ferdinand Topacio.
Poquiz was processed at Camp Crame before being transferred to the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 77, where he posted bail. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-NCR said the arrest warrant was served upon his arrival from Bangkok, Thailand.
Calling the arrest harassment and intimidation, Poquiz said, “Panggigipit ito, pangha-harass, pananakot sa ating mga mamamayang nagpapahayag ng damdamin sa matinding korapsyon sa bayan natin.”
The case stems from alleged statements during protest actions at the People Power Monument in Quezon City last November.
Poquiz denied making seditious remarks, saying, “Hindi namin ginagawa yun sa gobyerno. Kami lamang ay nagpapahayag ng damdamin, matinding poot at galit ng mga tao.”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) emphasized that freedom of expression must remain within legal bounds.
“Acts that incite participation in rebellion, sedition, or other unlawful activities are punishable under Philippine law, regardless of an individual’s former position or status,” the AFP said.