The son-in-law of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has filed a cyber libel complaint against Byron Garcia, brother of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia, over alleged false statements posted on Facebook.
Dr. Janos Vizcayno Jr. submitted the complaint to the Mandaue City Prosecutor’s Office, claiming Garcia’s July video falsely accused him of profiteering from patients while working as an orthopedic doctor at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.
The video reportedly alleged that implant costs were inflated from P20,000–P30,000 to P90,000–P100,000 in exchange for commissions.
Vizcayno said the posts repeatedly mentioned his name, linked him to a group called “Spine Orthopedics Group,” and tied the allegations to the governor’s health programs.
In one part, Garcia reportedly said, “kami magduda na gyud me,” implying suspicion of illicit profits.
The doctor denied the claims, explaining he has no affiliation with Vicente Sotto and practices privately at Chong Hua Medical Center and the University of Cebu Medical Center.
He said the video triggered online attacks, with commenters tagging medical organizations, forcing him to publicly defend his reputation.
“It’s distressing because I am a private doctor, and I entered this profession to help people. Being dragged into something like this, with fabricated stories about me, is painful. These claims have no basis,” Vizcayno said.
He added that the allegations are malicious and vowed to seek justice.
Vizcayno’s affidavit contends that Garcia’s posts meet all elements of cyber libel under Section 4(c)(4) of the Cybercrime Prevention Act, being public, malicious, and directly identifying him by name
Atty. Joshua Monsanto of RBTA Law said the complaint aims to hold individuals accountable for spreading falsehoods online.
“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 said.
The cyber libel complaint comes amid multiple legal actions filed by Garcia against Baricuatro in recent weeks.
These include cases over the P2.63-million renovation of the governor’s office, the questioned acquisition of sea ambulances, and a viral photo of the governor in a SWAT uniform, which Baricuatro said was AI-generated.
She has previously said her focus remains on serving the people of Cebu.
