Byron pleads not guilty to cyberlibel complaint

CEBU, Philippines —  Former Capitol consultant Byron Garcia pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Tuesday, May 13, 2026, in relation to the cyberlibel complaint filed by Dr. Janos Vizcayno Jr., the son-in-law of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro.

According to information gathered by THE FREEMAN, during the hearing at the Regional Trial Court Branch 83 in Mandaue City, the court first resolved Garcia’s Urgent Motion to Suspend Proceedings with Motion for Reinvestigation before proceeding with the arraignment and pre-trial.

Lawyers representing Vizcayno said the court dismissed Garcia’s motion for lack of proper legal basis to suspend the proceedings.

The court also noted that the motion for reinvestigation was not filed with leave of court, prompting its dismissal.

Following the denial of the motions, the arraignment and pre-trial proceeded as scheduled.

Garcia entered a plea of “not guilty” before the court.

The cyberlibel complaint stemmed from allegations made by Vizcayno that Garcia repeatedly damaged his reputation through online videos posted on social media.

Vizcayno, an orthopedic surgeon, earlier filed the complaint before the Mandaue City Prosecutor’s Office in December 2025.

In his complaint, Vizcayno accused Garcia, the brother of former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia, of spreading false and defamatory accusations through videos uploaded on Garcia’s verified Facebook account.

Vizcayno maintained that the statements made against him were fabricated and unsupported by evidence, causing damage to his name and professional standing.

“...The professional reputation of private individuals is not fair game for reckless commentary, online theatrics, or politically motivated attacks,” read part of the statement.

Vizcayno said he decided to pursue legal action after Garcia allegedly mentioned him repeatedly in online videos and accused him of various wrongdoings.

He also clarified that he has no affiliation with Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, contrary to claims allegedly made in Garcia’s videos.

“These accusations cannot stand. I will really seek justice for this,” Vizcayno added.

THE FREEMAN tried to reach Garcia for his side regarding the latest proceedings, but he has yet to respond as of press time. — (FREEMAN)