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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Baricuatro son-in-law files cyber libel case vs ex-governor's brod

Baricuatro son-in-law files cyber libel case vs ex-governor's brod

Published Dec 12, 2025 10:05 pm
CEBU CITY – It’s now the turn of Byron Garcia to be at the receiving end of a legal case.
Garcia, the brother of former Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, is facing a cyber libel complaint filed by the son-in-law of Gov. Pamela Baricuatro before the Mandaue City Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, Dec. 11.
In his complaint, Dr. Janos Vizcayno Jr. accused Byron of making false, malicious, and defamatory imputations through a verified Facebook account.
Vizcayno said that through a Facebook streaming, Byron referred him as an orthopedic doctor at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) here who allegedly forced patients, including indigents, to buy implants from a particular supplier at prices inflated from P20,000 to P30,000 to P90,000 to P100,000 in exchange for commissions.
He also accused Byron of linking his alleged illegal activities to the Capitol’s health programs.
In denying Byron's allegations, Vizcayno said he does not work at VSMMC as he practices privately at Chong Hua Medical Center and the University of Cebu Medical Center.
Vizcayno said Garcia’s post satisfies all elements of cyber libel under Section 4(c)(4) of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
The complainant added that the accusations “tarnished my reputation as a doctor” and misled the public into believing false claims about medical overpricing.
Vizcayno’s complaint added another layer to the brewing conflict between the two camps.
Garcia has filed three complaints against Baricuatro.
Garcia first sued Baricuatro over a Facebook photo that showed Baricuatro wearing a SWAT uniform.
The second complaint involved the Capitol’s purchase of a sea ambulance while the third case was for the P2.6-million renovation of the governor’s office.

Related Tags

Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro Gov. Gwen Garcia Cyber libel Byron Garcia Dr. Janos Vizcayno Jr.
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