Pam’s son-in-law fights back, sues Byron Garcia for cyber libel

Local

THE son-in-law of Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has filed a cyber libel complaint against Byron Garcia, brother of former Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Dr. Janos Vizcayno Jr. filed the complaint before the Mandaue City Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, Dec. 11, adding another layer to the escalating conflict between Garcia and the governor’s family.

Byron had filed three cases against the sitting governor in the past weeks.

In his complaint-affidavit, Vizcayno accused Garcia of making false, malicious, and defamatory imputations through a verified Facebook account.

He said Garcia’s video in July portrayed him as an orthopedic doctor at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) who allegedly forced patients, including indigents, to buy implants from a particular supplier at prices inflated from P20,000–P30,000 to P90,000–P100,000 in exchange for commissions.

Vizcayno said Garcia directly mentioned his name multiple times and linked him to supposed schemes to overcharge patients, even suggesting an affiliation with a group called “Spine Orthopedics Group.”

He also noted Garcia’s statements tying the alleged activities to the governor’s health programs.

In the video, Garcia claimed “kami magduda na gyud me” and suggested he profited through commissions from the supplier.

Vizcayno denied all allegations.

He said he does not work at VSMMC, explaining that he practices privately at Chong Hua Medical Center and the University of Cebu Medical Center.

He said the video caused online commenters to accuse him of profiteering and tag medical organizations, prompting him to defend himself publicly.

His affidavit argued that Garcia’s post satisfies all elements of cyber libel under Section 4(c)(4) of the Cybercrime Prevention Act, citing the public and malicious nature of the statements, the direct identification of his name, and the use of Facebook as the publishing platform.

He said Garcia’s accusations “tarnished my reputation as a doctor” and misled the public into believing false claims about medical overpricing. His lawyer, Atty. Joshua Monsanto of RBTA Law, said the filing aims to hold accountable those who weaponize online platforms to spread harmful falsehoods.

“False statements and fake news are not protected speech. They undermine public trust, degrade civil discourse, and have no place in a society that values truth and responsibility,” he added.

The complaint expands the ongoing dispute between Garcia and Vizcayno’s family.

Garcia has earlier filed three complaints against Governor Baricuatro, including a case over the P2.6-million renovation of the Cebu Capitol’s executive office, where he alleged violations of anti-graft and heritage laws.

He also questioned the supposed purchase of sea ambulances on December 1 and filed a complaint over a viral SWAT-uniform photo on November 21, which Baricuatro said was AI-generated.(MyTVCebu)