Romeo Poquiz is a retired Major General of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) who transitioned from a decorated military career to a polarizing figure in Philippine civil activism. Once a key commander entrusted with the nation’s air defense, Poquiz re-emerged in the public eye in 2025 and 2026 as the lead convenor of the United People’s Initiative (UPI). His vocal criticism of the Marcos Jr. administration, particularly regarding alleged corruption in flood control projects, culminated in his high-profile arrest for inciting to sedition in January 2026, marking a dramatic shift from state defender to government critic.
Quick Facts Overview
- Full Name: Romeo De Vera Poquiz
- Birth Date: October 14, 1958
- Place of Birth: Quezon, Isabela, Philippines
- Age: 67 (as of 2026)
- Profession: Retired Major General (PAF), Civic Leader
- Key Positions: Commander of 2nd Air Division; Commander of 710th Special Operations Wing; Board Member of BCDA and PNOC.
- Known For: Leading the United People’s Initiative (UPI); 2026 Sedition Arrest.
- Religion: Roman Catholic (Inferred from education)
- Net Worth: Public records do not confirm specific figures.
- Status: Alive (Active in civil protests as of 2026)
Who Is Romeo Poquiz?
Romeo Poquiz is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Dimalupig” Class of 1981. He served over three decades in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), rising to the rank of Major General. His military tenure was defined by his expertise as a helicopter pilot and his leadership of elite units like the 710th Special Operations Wing.
Post-retirement, Poquiz served in civilian government roles under the Duterte administration, sitting on the boards of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC). However, he is most currently recognized for his leadership of the United People’s Initiative, a group of retired officers and civilians demanding accountability for government corruption. His alleged calls for the military to withdraw support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have placed him at the center of a heated national debate on free speech and sedition.
Early Life and Family Background
Romeo De Vera Poquiz was born on October 14, 1958, in the town of Quezon, Isabela. He was the second of nine children born to Dominador Poquiz and Julita de Vera. Growing up in a large family in the province, Poquiz was instilled with values of discipline and service early on.
He completed his primary and secondary education at La Salette School of Quezon, a Catholic institution, which suggests his religious upbringing. Determined to serve his country, he entered the prestigious Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City, graduating in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree. His thirst for education continued well into his career; in 2000, he earned a Master of Science in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, further honing his strategic and administrative skills.
Rise to Prominence / Career Journey
Military Service
Poquiz’s military career began immediately after his graduation from the PMA in 1981. He joined the Philippine Air Force, where he distinguished himself as a skilled pilot.
- Combat Pilot: In 1986, he was among the pilots flying helicopter gunships during anti-insurgency and anti-illegal drug operations in the Cordillera region.
- Elite Command: In the early 2000s, he commanded the 710th Special Operations Wing (SPOW), the elite combat unit of the Air Force responsible for high-risk missions.
- Recognition: In 2004, his exemplary service was recognized when he was named one of the “The Outstanding Filipino Soldiers” (TOFS) by the Metrobank Foundation and Rotary Club of Makati-Metro.
- Logistics and Leadership: He served as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (J4) in 2010.
- 2nd Air Division: One of his final and most significant posts was Commander of the 2nd Air Division based in Mactan, Cebu. He led this division during the critical relief operations following Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013.
Poquiz retired from military service on October 13, 2014, receiving a Command Plaque and honorary badges for his decades of service.
Political / Professional Influence
After hanging up his uniform, Poquiz remained active in public service, transitioning to civilian roles that utilized his management expertise.
Government Board Appointments
During the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, Poquiz was appointed to key government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs):
- BCDA (2016–2018): He served on the Board of Directors for the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, overseeing the transformation of former military bases into economic hubs.
- PNOC (2018): He was subsequently appointed to the board of the Philippine National Oil Company.
The United People’s Initiative (UPI)
In 2025, Poquiz established the United People’s Initiative (UPI). This coalition, composed largely of retired military and police officers, emerged as a watchdog group. They gained significant traction by protesting the alleged misuse of billions of pesos in flood control funds—a scandal that rocked the Marcos Jr. administration. Poquiz became the face of this movement, leading rallies and organizing caravans that demanded transparency and the resignation of officials involved in corruption.
Personal Life
Romeo Poquiz is married to Marilyn Poquiz. The couple has maintained a relatively private family life despite Romeo’s public career. Marilyn was notably by his side during his retirement ceremony in 2014, where she received a Plaque of Appreciation for her support.
In early January 2026, the Poquiz family was thrust into the spotlight when Romeo was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) upon their return from a family holiday in Bangkok, Thailand.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: Public records do not confirm a specific figure.
As a retired Major General, Poquiz receives a substantial military pension, which is indexed to the current salaries of active-duty personnel—a significant benefit in the Philippines. His income was further supplemented by his board seats at the BCDA and PNOC between 2016 and the early 2020s. While he is not considered a tycoon, his career trajectory suggests a comfortable, upper-middle-class financial standing.
Controversies or Public Criticism
2026 Sedition Arrest
The most defining controversy of Poquiz’s later years occurred on January 5, 2026. Upon arriving at NAIA Terminal 3 from Bangkok, he was arrested by the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
- The Charge: Inciting to Sedition (Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code).
- The Allegation: Authorities accused Poquiz of using the UPI rallies in late 2025 to urge the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to withdraw support from President Marcos Jr.
- “Soft Coup” Claims: AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. revealed that Poquiz and other retired generals had met with him, allegedly proposing a “soft coup” to resolve the country’s corruption issues—a claim Poquiz’s camp has denied, framing it instead as a “dialogue on legitimate grievances.”
- Defense: Poquiz posted bail (PHP 48,000) immediately. He remained defiant, stating to the press that the government should be arresting “those who stole billions” in flood control funds rather than critics demanding accountability.
Legacy and Public Perception
Romeo Poquiz’s legacy is currently being rewritten. To his supporters, especially within the retired military community and anti-corruption advocates, he is a patriot and whistleblower willing to risk his freedom to expose government negligence. They view his actions as a continuation of his oath to protect the people.
Conversely, the administration and his critics view him as a destabilizer. By allegedly courting active-duty military personnel to intervene in political matters, critics argue he undermines civilian supremacy over the military and threatens the constitutional order. His transition from a celebrated general to a “seditious” figure highlights the complex relationship between the Philippine military and political activism.
FAQs
Who is Romeo Poquiz?
Romeo Poquiz is a retired Major General of the Philippine Air Force and the lead convenor of the United People’s Initiative, known for his anti-corruption activism in 2025-2026.
Why was Romeo Poquiz arrested in 2026?
He was arrested for “inciting to sedition” after allegedly urging the military to withdraw support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during protests against corruption.
What is the United People’s Initiative (UPI)?
The UPI is a coalition led by Poquiz, composed mainly of retired uniformed personnel and civilians, advocating for government accountability and transparency regarding public funds.
Is Romeo Poquiz still in the military?
No, he retired from the Armed Forces of the Philippines on October 13, 2014.
What government positions did Poquiz hold after retirement?
He served on the Board of Directors for the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) under the Duterte administration.
What is Romeo Poquiz’s rank?
He retired with the rank of Major General (two-star general).
Did Romeo Poquiz call for a coup?
The AFP leadership alleged he proposed a “soft coup,” but Poquiz denies this, stating he only sought a dialogue to air grievances about corruption.
Is Romeo Poquiz imprisoned?
As of early January 2026, he is out on bail and continues to be active in his advocacy.
Conclusion
Romeo Poquiz represents a unique archetype in Philippine society: the soldier-turned-activist. His journey from the cockpits of the Air Force to the boardrooms of state corporations, and finally to the streets as a protest leader, underscores a deep-seated engagement with the nation’s welfare. Whether history remembers him as a defender of democracy or a threat to its stability will likely depend on the outcome of his legal battles and the continued impact of the movement he leads.
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