Byron pleads not guilty in sexual harassment raps

CEBU, Philippines — Former Cebu Provincial Capitol consultant Byron Garcia has pleaded not guilty to the three counts of alleged gender-based sexual harassment filed against him by Capitol Public Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan.

Garcia entered his plea before the court yesterday, July 29, in connection with the charges under Section 12 of Republic Act No. 11313, otherwise known as the Safe Spaces Act.

Speaking to reporters after the court proceedings, Garcia confirmed that he denied all the charges.

"Ni-plead ko og not guilty... na-plead og not guilty proudly," Garcia said.

He also questioned the basis of Catalan's complaint and challenged her to explain what prompted her to pursue the case.

"Pangutan-a lang si Elisse Nicole nganong ni kiha siya nako og unsa ba iyang nasuk-an sa akong utterance nga basically usa ra na ka word akong gipanulti," Garcia said.

The charges stem from alleged violations of Section 12 of Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, which penalizes gender-based sexual harassment.

Earlier, the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) Branch 1 in Mandaue City ordered Garcia's arrest through a warrant issued on June 10, 2026.

He was subsequently taken into custody by law enforcement authorities a day after the warrant was issued.

Court records showed that the court fixed Garcia's bail at P108,000 for his temporary liberty, covering the three criminal charges filed against him.

The filing of the charges followed the complaint lodged by Catalan, who earlier said Garcia's arrest marked what she described as the beginning of accountability.

In an earlier statement, Catalan said she pursued the case not only for herself but also "for every woman, living or deceased, who has been hurt, defamed, violated, or wronged by Byron Garcia and others like him."

She also maintained that no one is above the law and that the legal process should be allowed to take its course. — /MRM (FREEMAN)