Dr. Rowena Burden was joined with her legal counsel headed by Lawyer Inocencio Dela Cerna (left most) and his associates on Thursday, September 28, for a press conference. | CDN FILE PHOTO [Niña Mae Oliverio ]
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Dr. Rowena Burden, a prominent critic of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, who had planned to challenge her in the 2025 gubernatorial race, passed away on Friday, December 15, as confirmed by friends and relatives.
Burden, 58, reportedly succumbed to a heart attack on Friday.
READ: Dr. Burden to run against Gwen in 2025 gubernatorial elections
A former practicing physician, Burden gained prominence for being vocal on various issues, including controversial ones, and for her political leanings.
She was notably one of the most outspoken critics against Garcia, particularly about the latter’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Cebu.
READ: Cebu Daily Newscast: Dr. Burden to run against Gwen in 2025 gubernatorial elections
Burden was one of those, who criticized Garcia for allegedly downplaying COVID-19 deaths, promoting tu-ob or steam inhalation, and taking action against doctors opposing the governor’s decisions in addressing the pandemic.
Recently, the doctor faced legal action with eight counts of cyber libel filed by the Garcia, stemming from the doctor’s Facebook posts accusing the governor of allegedly abusing her power, and misusing public funds for personal frivolities, among others.