Pam seeks clarification on Byron Garcia’s ‘quick’ admission to VSMMC
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has expressed concern over the alleged preferential treatment accorded to former Capitol consultant Byron Garcia during his admission to a government hospital.
According to Baricuatro, she received reports that Garcia was admitted to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in less than an hour after his release, prompting questions about whether standard hospital admission procedures were properly followed in his case.
The governor said the situation was notable because many patients seeking treatment at public hospitals typically endure long waits before being admitted.
READ: Byron Garcia posts bail in sexual harassment case, alleges police maltreatment
“I also question: ngano man nakasud dayon didto in less than an hour? Atong mga patients na naa nay mga brain bleed diha lisod kaayo isulod,” Baricuatro said during a press conference on Wednesday, June 17.
(I also question why he was admitted in less than an hour? There are patients with brain bleeds who find it difficult to be admitted.)
READ: Byron Garcia arrested over alleged sexual harassment
Baricautro also called on VSMMC Medical Center Chief Dr. Gerardo Aquino Jr. to address the matter and clarify the circumstances surrounding Garcia’s admission.
Garcia claims police maltreatment
The governor’s remarks came after Garcia alleged that he was subjected to “maltreatment” while under the custody of the Talisay City Police Station.
READ: Byron Garcia posts bail after court issues warrant over cyberlibel charges
In a Facebook post on June 13, Garcia said he was brought by the Talisay Rescue Emergency Assistance Team to the Talisay District Hospital at around 4:30 p.m. before being transferred to VSMMC for further treatment and observation.
“Reason for this emergency?: POLICE MALTREATMENT! As of press time I am still recovering at the hospital and will await final assessment of the doctors,” Garcia wrote.
In separate social media posts, Garcia also claimed he underwent an “emergency treatment” due to high blood sugar levels and poorly controlled diabetes, which he said worsened while he was in detention.
Asked to comment on these allegations, Baricuatro said the issue should be handled by the proper authorities and pursued through the appropriate legal process.
“That’s a police matter. I don’t want to get involved,” Baricuatro said. “Don’t just accuse the police of maltreatment. Make a formal complaint.”
The governor noted that Garcia has yet to file a formal complaint against the police officers involved.
Arrested for alleged harassment
Garcia was arrested on June 11 after a Mandaue City court judge issued a warrant against him for three counts of alleged gender-based sexual harassment under the Safe Spaces Act.
The charges were filed by Capitol Health Consultant Elisse Nicole Catalan, Baricuatro’s daughter.
Catalan previously said the case seeks accountability not only for her own experience, but also for other women who may have gone through similar incidents of gender-based harassment.
Garcia regained temporary liberty after posting ₱108,000 bail on June 13.
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