Governor wants Byron’s “speedy” hospital admission explained

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has sought an explanation from officials of the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) regarding the admission of former Capitol consultant Byron Garcia following his arrest, questioning reports that he was accommodated at the government hospital in less than an hour.

Baricuatro raised the issue amid allegations that Garcia received preferential treatment after he was brought to the hospital while under police custody.

The governor said she wanted hospital officials to clarify the circumstances surrounding Garcia’s admission, noting that many patients with serious medical conditions often struggle to secure immediate accommodation in government hospitals.

“I also question ba nga ngano mang nasulod dayon less than an hour, nga atong mga patients nga naay brain bleed lisod man gani isulod,” said Baricuatro.

She said information regarding Garcia’s hospitalization was relayed to her based on records documenting his transfer from police custody to the hospital.

According to Baricuatro, ordinary patients frequently endure lengthy waiting periods before being admitted to public hospitals, making Garcia’s reported admission timeline worthy of scrutiny.

“It happened less than an hour which ordinary people will take it in weeks or even months,” she said.

Baricuatro added that while she was raising questions about the incident, she remains grateful for the assistance VSMMC has extended to the provincial government through the years.

“Magpasalamat lang sad ko’g dako sa Vicente Sotto because they've been helping us g’yud sa province,” she said.

She also called on VSMMC Medical Center Chief Dr. Gerardo Aquino to explain what transpired.

“Pangutan-a ninyo si Dr. Aquino ngano nahitabo to. Kay ako gusto sad ko mangutana niya kung magkita mi,” Baricuatro said.

She further said she had been trying to contact Aquino but had not received a response.

“Di man motubag sa akong text,” she added.

Baricuatro also expressed belief that established procedures may have been bypassed in Garcia’s case, citing the long queues commonly seen at the government hospital.

“I’m sure naa g’yud toy na-bypass because if we go to Sotto no daghan kaayo’g galinya diha,” she said.

The issue emerged after Garcia alleged that he suffered maltreatment while in police custody following his arrest last week on charges of gender-based online sexual harassment.

In a post on his verified Facebook account, Garcia claimed he was rushed to Talisay District Hospital on June 12 at around 4:30 P.M. through the intervention of the Talisay Rescue Emergency Assistance Team before he was later transferred to VSMMC for further treatment and observation.

Garcia attributed the medical emergency to what he described as “police maltreatment”, adding that he remained under medical care while awaiting the doctors’ final assessment.

However, Baricuatro said allegations against law enforcement should be backed by a formal complaint if Garcia believes his rights were violated.

“I’m sure the police is waiting for an official complaint. If he thinks nga gi-maltreat siya then how come until now walay complaint di ba?” she said.

“Don't just accuse the police of maltreatment, file a formal complaint,” she added.

Garcia was arrested on the basis of a warrant issued for three counts of gender-based online sexual harassment under the Safe Spaces Act. The complaints were filed by Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan, a Capitol public health consultant and daughter of Baricuatro, who accused Garcia of posting sexist and body-shaming remarks against her on social media.

Court records show that Garcia posted bail amounting to P108,000 last Saturday, June 13, after the Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 1 in Mandaue City granted his provisional liberty. His arraignment and pre-trial conference have been scheduled for July 29, 2026. — /BRP (FREEMAN)