Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-Ala confirmed that an internal probe found Barzaga’s remarks on social media to be a violation of the AFP’s rules of neutrality.

“The Philippine Army is a professional and non-partisan organization. We cannot condone statements that compromise our integrity,” Dema-Ala said.

According to the Philippine Army, Barzaga’s social media statements and online posts called on the military, police, and reservists to join rallies on September 21, 2025, that were part of a campaign against government corruption. 

In one of his posts, he allegedly accused the administration of corruption and insinuated that uniformed personnel would lose trust in President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Barzaga, who enlisted earlier this year as a private reservist under the National Capital Region Regional Community Defense Group, allegedly urged both soldiers and police officers to participate in protest rallies.

The Army said this constituted “grave misconduct” under Republic Act 7077, the Citizens Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act, which governs the discipline of reservists.

Dema-Ala clarified that delisting Barzaga would only affect his status as a reservist and would not affect his position as a member of Congress.

The recommendation has already been elevated to higher headquarters for final approval.

“Again, we remind all active-duty personnel as well as reservists to uphold military professionalism and non-partisanship, as enshrined in the AFP Code of Ethics, ensuring that all actions do not compromise our noble profession of arms,” he said.

If approved, the delisting will formally cut Barzaga’s ties with the military reserve, though he will continue to serve as Cavite’s 4th District representative. 

The case has also reignited debates over the balance between freedom of speech and the duty of military reservists to remain politically neutral.