CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Former Capitol consultant Byron Garcia voluntarily surrendered before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Toledo City and posted bail after a Mandaue City court issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with a cyber libel case filed last year by the son-in-law of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro.
RTC Toledo City Executive Judge Judilyn Menchavez ordered Garcia’s release after he posted a cash bond of P48,000 for his temporary liberty.
Records show Garcia personally appeared before the court yesterday and manifested his intent to submit himself to its jurisdiction. In an order granting bail, the Toledo court noted that Garcia’s surrender came before the warrant could be served.
“The Court further FINDS that the accused’s surrender was spontaneous, voluntary, and uncoerced, and was not brought about by force, threat, pursuit, or the inevitability of arrest,” the order stated.
The court added that Garcia knowingly placed himself at the disposal of the court, making him eligible for the mitigating circumstance of voluntary surrender under the Revised Penal Code.
Since the offense charged is bailable as a matter of right, the court found no legal impediment to granting provisional liberty.
Earlier, RTC Branch 83 Judge Allan Francisco Garciano in Mandaue City issued the warrant of arrest on Tuesday, April 21, directing law enforcers to arrest Garcia and bring him before the court.
“You are hereby commanded to arrest BYRON FIEL GARCIA, who is said to be found at Corona del Mar Subdivision, Pooc, Talisay City, Cebu, and who was charged before me with the offense of Violation of Sec. 4(c)(4) of R.A. 10175 in relation to Art. 355 of the Revised Penal Code, and to bring him forth before me to be dealt with according to law,” a portion of the warrant read.
The case stemmed from a cyber libel complaint filed on December 11, 2025 by Dr. Janos Viscayno before the Mandaue City Prosecutor’s Office.
Viscayno alleged that Garcia posted and circulated online statements that were malicious and damaging to his reputation. He denied accusations earlier made by Garcia in an online vlog, particularly claims linking him to alleged irregularities involving medical supply procurement and hospital department affiliations at the Capitol.
Garcia, younger brother of former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia, has been a vocal critic of the Baricuatro administration and has filed several complaints against the governor in recent months, including issues involving the province’s sea ambulance purchase, a viral photo showing the governor in a SWAT uniform, and the P2.63-million renovation of the governor’s office.
The Freeman sought Garcia’s comment, but no statement had been issued as of press time.
| Written by Jonnavie Villa/FPL
