THE Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has filed a complaint against Isabela Vice Mayor Jeryll Harold Respicio before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday, charging him with inciting sedition and rebellion.
CICC Executive Director Renato “Aboy” Paraiso said the case stems from statements Respicio allegedly made during a gathering, where he raised the possibility of a revolution should democratic institutions cease to function properly.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag presented the transcript of Respicio’s speech, quoting him as saying: “This is a serious question — if the foundational principle of our Constitution, which is democracy, no longer works, what is the answer? Revolution.” Matibag added that Respicio was quoted asking the audience if they were willing to rise up and die for such a cause, to which the crowd allegedly replied “yes.” According to Matibag, the elements of the crimes are clearly present and noted that as a lawyer, Respicio may also face separate disbarment proceedings.
Matibag explained that the complaint covers multiple offenses, including inciting to sedition, rebellion, unlawful use of means of publication, and unlawful utterances. The NBI is set to issue a subpoena to Respicio and will submit its recommendation to the Department of Justice once the investigation is complete. Authorities also disclosed that the CICC plans to file a disbarment case against the official, while investigators are reviewing other posts he made on social media.
Officials emphasized that while freedom of expression is fully protected, it does not extend to calls for violence or actions against the government. The CICC clarified that the filing of charges is not meant to suppress free speech but to address statements that have allegedly gone beyond legal limits. As of press time, Vice Mayor Respicio has not yet issued any statement or response regarding the complaint filed against him.
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