The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives has denounced the sedition charges filed against Makabayan campaign manager and director for political affairs Renato Reyes Jr. and several activists who joined the September 21, 2025 anti-corruption rally in Mendiola, calling the case “fabricated” and intended to suppress dissent.
The criminal complaint was lodged by Lt. Col. Jonathan A. Estrada of the Philippine National Police, accusing Reyes and others of sedition, inciting to sedition, and violations of the Cybercrime Law.
“The criminal complaint…is clearly manufactured and represents another brazen attempt by the Marcos administration to suppress legitimate protest and criminalize constitutionally-protected rights,” the bloc said in a statement.
Makabayan stressed that the charges constitute “a frontal assault” on the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.
“The accusations against Reyes and the youth charged are entirely false, grounded solely on their attendance at a lawful anti-corruption demonstration. The allegation that Reyes ‘incited defiance and confrontation with law enforcers’ is a complete fabrication—he had already sustained injuries and was rushed to a Quezon City hospital for medical treatment after the Bayan protest had ended and before any confrontation occurred,” the group said.
The bloc warned that the charges are meant to instill fear and suppress the growing anti-corruption movement.
“The message from the PNP and the Marcos regime could not be clearer—criticize corrupt officials and face criminal prosecution. Magsalita ka laban sa korupsyon, kakasuhan ka. Mag-rally ka para sa accountability, sedisyon ang iaasunto sa iyo,” the statement read.
Makabayan also condemned the inclusion of student leaders in the complaint, saying it was intended to “terrorize young activists who have courageously led the charge in exposing corruption and demanding transparency.”
“It is profoundly troubling that the Marcos administration dedicates more energy to persecuting demonstrators than prosecuting corrupt officials. Until now, not a single ‘big fish’ or principal architect of corruption has faced consequences for the massive, institutionalized theft of public resources,” the bloc said.
The group likened the sedition charges to “the worst excesses of dictatorial governance.”
“Hindi natin hahayaang maulit ang madilim na kabanata ng kasaysayan,” Makabayan declared.
Despite the charges, the bloc vowed that the anti-corruption movement will continue.
“These intimidation tactics will not deter the people’s demand for accountability. State repression only fortifies our determination and validates the necessity of collective action,” the statement said.
“We demand the immediate withdrawal of all spurious charges against Reyes and his fellow respondents. We call on the Department of Justice to reject this transparent attempt by the PNP to pervert the justice system into an instrument of political repression.”
Makabayan concluded:
“Hindi kami matatakot. Hindi kami titigil. The anti-corruption movement will not be cowed into silence. Together, we will ensure that 2026 becomes the year when bureaucrat capitalists who have exploited their positions for private enrichment finally face justice.” (RRN)
