A Regional Trial Court in Mandaue City has issued an arrest warrant for Byron Garcia in connection with a cyber libel case, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings. The warrant was authorized by Branch 83 Presiding Judge Allan Francisco S. Garciano on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, under Section 4(c)(4) of Republic Act 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, in relation to Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Posting
Following the issuance of the warrant, Byron Garcia voluntarily surrendered to authorities and was subsequently allowed to post bail. The court set the bail amount at P48,000, in accordance with the Rules on Criminal Procedure, enabling Garcia to secure his temporary release while the case progresses.
Background of the Cyber Libel Case
The case originated from a complaint filed by Dr. Janos Vizcayno, the son-in-law of Governor Pamela Baricuatro, on December 11, 2025. Dr. Vizcayno lodged the cyber libel charges against Byron Garcia, who is the brother of former Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, at the Office of the Prosecutor in Mandaue City.
The allegations stem from posts made by Garcia on his social media page, where he accused Dr. Vizcayno of unethical medical practices. Specifically, Garcia claimed that the doctor, while working at a general hospital in Cebu City, exploited patients by referring them to purchase medical equipment and supplies for surgeries and other needs from external sources at inflated prices, allegedly doubling the costs.
Denial and Defense
Dr. Vizcayno has consistently denied these accusations, refuting claims of profiteering from patients. He maintains that the allegations are baseless and has sought legal recourse to clear his name, leading to the current cyber libel case against Garcia.
The case highlights the growing legal scrutiny over online defamation in the Philippines, particularly under the Cybercrime Prevention Act. As the proceedings unfold, it underscores the importance of responsible social media use and the potential consequences of making unverified claims online.
