Retired Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) major general Romeo Poquiz has firmly denied allegations that he encouraged the military or the public to overthrow the government, following his arrest over charges of inciting to sedition.

Poquiz, a former Air Force general and convenor of the United People’s Initiative (UPI), said he was merely exercising his right to express his sentiments, echoing the frustrations of ordinary citizens, particularly over alleged corruption in flood control projects.

"Ang ginagawa lang naman ng aming grupo ay magprotesta [at] magpahayag ng mga damdamin dito sa mga matinding korapsyon na ito na nangyayari sa ating bayan," said Poquiz during an interview in Balansyado on Monday.

Despite his arrest, Poquiz maintained that he will continue to speak out against corruption in government. He said he will not stop criticizing alleged wrongdoing until “big fish” are held accountable and justice is served.

Poquiz stressed that he had no intention of persuading anyone to rebel against the state. He said the public has been betrayed by officials whom they trusted and voted for to serve the people, only to allegedly misuse public funds.

Poquiz further said his campaign to hold corrupt officials accountable will continue, emphasizing that corruption thrives not only because of power but also because of public silence.

On Monday, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 77 ordered his temporary release after posting bail amounting to ₱48,000.

Poquiz arraignment and pre-trial hearing have been scheduled for January 14 at 2:00 p.m.

The inciting to sedition charge stemmed from Poquiz’s social media posts, which authorities claimed suggested destabilization efforts. Poquiz, however, reiterated that none of his posts called for the overthrow of the government.

He was arrested on Monday, January 5, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 and was able to immediately post bail for his provisional release.