Marine colonel faces possible sedition rap

MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has recommended the filing of a charge of inciting sedition against retired Marine Colonel Generoso Mariano who appeared in a video calling on soldiers to “replace the government.”

Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, De Lima said she told the Armed Forces that Mariano could be held criminally liable for violating Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code for the statements he made in the video.

She said the recommendation was contained in a legal opinion that she issued on Monday upon the request of the military’s Judge Advocate General’s Office last Friday.

“On the face of those statements… he may be held liable for inciting to sedition… because of those seditious remarks that tend to incite others to act against duly constituted authorities of government,” De Lima said.

“Of course there are explanations that it was not his intention. But it’s debatable; it’s a matter of defense. It’s up for him to explain his motive,” De Lima added.

Saying she studied Mariano’s statement “word for word,” De Lima said: “On its face per se, on the basis of my objective evaluation of the tenor of the statements he made, there is (basis) for him to be charged.”