Dr. Janos Viscayno, son-in-law of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, has filed a cyber libel case against former provincial security consultant Byron Garcia, accusing him of making malicious and defamatory online posts.
CEBU, Philippines — In a new escalation of the ongoing political tensions in Cebu Province, Dr. Janos Viscayno, son-in-law of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, has formally filed a cyber libel complaint against former provincial security consultant Byron Garcia. The case was submitted Thursday, December 11, before the Mandaue City Prosecutor’s Office.
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According to Viscayno, the complaint stems from what he describes as a series of malicious online posts and defamatory remarks allegedly published by Garcia across various social media platforms. Viscayno said these posts had caused damage to his name and reputation, prompting him to pursue legal action.
Garcia—brother of former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia—has been at the center of multiple controversies in recent months. Prior to this latest complaint, he had filed several cases against Governor Baricuatro involving issues tied to the Sea Ambulance controversy, the viral photo of Baricuatro wearing a SWAT uniform, and the ₱2.63-million renovation of what he has referred to as the “new governor’s office” inside the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
Viscayno’s camp has yet to release detailed statements regarding the specific content of the allegedly libelous posts, but sources say the material has been submitted as evidence to prosecutors.
As of press time, Garcia has not issued a public comment on the cyber libel case filed against him.
This developing story adds another layer to the widening rift between allies and political personalities in Cebu, with both sides now navigating a growing legal battle on multiple fronts.
Former Security Consultant Files Complaint Against Cebu Governor Over Capitol Renovation
Former provincial security consultant Byron Garcia has filed criminal and administrative complaints against Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, seeking her dismissal over the P2.63-million renovation of the "new governor's office" inside the Provincial Capitol.
In his complaint-affidavit, Garcia accuses Baricuatro of violating the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 (RA 10066) and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019). He alleges that the renovation project proceeded without obtaining the necessary heritage clearance mandated by law.
Garcia is calling for Baricuatro to be held criminally and administratively liable, with potential penalties including dismissal from service, preventive suspension, and sanctions for grave misconduct, abuse of authority, conduct unbecoming of a public official, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The core of Garcia's complaint revolves around the alleged failure to secure a heritage clearance before commencing the renovation. The National Cultural Heritage Act is designed to protect and preserve historical and cultural sites, ensuring that any modifications or alterations to such sites comply with established guidelines and regulations.
According to Garcia, the Provincial Capitol, as a historical landmark, falls under the protection of RA 10066. Any renovation work should have been preceded by a thorough assessment and approval process involving relevant cultural and historical authorities.
In addition to the heritage violation, Garcia's complaint also invokes the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. He suggests that proceeding with the renovation without proper clearance and due process may constitute an abuse of authority and a violation of ethical standards expected of public officials.
The complaint raises questions about the transparency and legality of the renovation project, implying that Governor Baricuatro may have acted improperly in pushing forward with the work.
Garcia's complaint seeks severe penalties for Governor Baricuatro, including dismissal from her position and preventive suspension. He argues that her alleged actions constitute grave misconduct and a breach of public trust, warranting the most stringent administrative sanctions.
The complaint also calls for other potential sanctions, reflecting the seriousness of the accusations and the potential legal ramifications for the governor.
The complaint has been formally filed, and the appropriate authorities will now review the allegations and determine whether there is sufficient basis to proceed with further investigation and legal action. Governor Baricuatro's office has yet to issue an official statement regarding the complaint. The legal process is expected to unfold in the coming weeks as the case moves forward.
Complaint Alleges Cebu Governor Violated Heritage Laws in Capitol Renovation
The legal battle intensifies as former provincial security consultant Byron Garcia, brother of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia, has filed a complaint against Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, alleging violations of heritage laws in the renovation of the "new governor's office" at the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
According to Garcia, Baricuatro approved and initiated the renovation project, officially titled ‘Renovation of New Governor’s Office, Capitol Main Building, Cebu Capitol, Cebu City,’ with an Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) amounting to P2,633,698.43. The heart of the complaint lies in the assertion that this renovation proceeded without the necessary clearances, thereby contravening national heritage laws.
Garcia emphasized that the Capitol building holds a declared Status I National Historical Landmark designation. He cited NHCP Resolution No. 11, series of 2008, which grants the structure the “strictest legal protections.” This resolution, according to Garcia, explicitly prohibits any modification, demolition, or redevelopment without prior written clearance from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
The complaint draws heavily on specific provisions of Republic Act No. 10066, also known as the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009. Garcia cited Section 15 of RA 10066, which mandates that any intervention work on national historical landmarks must be supervised and approved by the proper cultural agency and must use only methods that adhere to international conservation standards.
Garcia argued that Baricuatro’s act of “causing the implementation” of the renovation involving demolition-related works “without the mandatory Heritage Permit/Clearance” directly violated Section 48(b) of RA 10066. This section explicitly prohibits modifying or altering any protected heritage structure without prior written permission from the NHCP.
The legal implications of these alleged violations are significant. The law stipulates that improper modification of a national landmark is punishable by a fine of at least P200,000, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both. This underscores the gravity of the accusations leveled against Governor Baricuatro.
The filing of this complaint has stirred considerable debate within Cebu's political circles. Supporters of Garcia argue that the governor's actions demonstrate a disregard for the region's cultural heritage and the rule of law. Meanwhile, Governor Baricuatro's allies maintain that the renovation was necessary for the efficient functioning of the governor's office and that all procedures were followed correctly.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the people of Cebu and heritage advocates across the Philippines will be watching closely. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how national heritage laws are interpreted and enforced in the country.
Byron Garcia Accuses Gov. Baricuatro of Graft Over Capitol Renovation
The political tension in Cebu continues to intensify as former provincial security consultant Byron Garcia has accused Governor Pamela Baricuatro of committing violations under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, specifically Section 3(e) and Section 3(g).
In his complaint, Garcia alleged that Baricuatro gave unwarranted benefits and preference to the contractor responsible for renovation works inside the Cebu Provincial Capitol, a protected heritage structure. He claimed the project proceeded without obtaining the mandatory heritage permit from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
Garcia further asserted that the renovation contract was “manifestly and grossly disadvantageous to the government,” arguing that allowing construction inside a historically protected site without proper clearance exposed the provincial government to potential legal, financial, and regulatory liabilities.
According to Garcia, approving and awarding the renovation contract in the absence of NHCP authorization amounted to negligence and abuse of discretion, raising questions about compliance with heritage laws and government procurement standards.
As of this writing, Governor Baricuatro and her office have not issued a statement addressing Garcia’s latest allegations.
The complaint marks another chapter in the escalating conflict between Garcia and the current provincial leadership, adding pressure to an already heated political climate in Cebu.
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