Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro isn't buying the story that former Capitol consultant Byron Garcia was rushed into Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in less than an hour after his release from police custody.

“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.)

She said she received reports that Garcia was admitted quickly, and she wants VSMMC Medical Center Chief Dr. Gerardo Aquino Jr. to explain what happened.

Garcia was arrested on June 11 after a Mandaue City court issued a warrant for three counts of gender-based sexual harassment under the Safe Spaces Act. The charges were filed by Capitol Health Consultant Elisse Nicole Catalan — who's Baricuatro's daughter.

Catalan said the case is about accountability for her and other women who may have experienced similar harassment.

Garcia posted ₱108,000 bail on June 13 and was released. But shortly after, he claimed on Facebook that he was maltreated at the Talisay City Police Station.

In a June 13 post, Garcia said the Talisay Rescue Emergency Assistance Team brought him to Talisay District Hospital at around 4:30 p.m. before transferring him to VSMMC for further treatment.

“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.

He also claimed he underwent emergency treatment for high blood sugar and poorly controlled diabetes, which he said got worse while he was in detention.

Baricuatro said she doesn't want to wade into the maltreatment allegations.

“That’s a police matter. I don’t want to get involved,” she said. “Don’t just accuse the police of maltreatment. Make a formal complaint.”

The governor noted that Garcia hasn't yet filed a formal complaint against the police officers involved.

Baricuatro's main concern is that Garcia got into a public hospital — where beds are scarce and waiting times can stretch for hours — in under an hour. She wants to know if standard procedures were followed or if Garcia got special treatment because of who he is.

Garcia was a consultant at the Capitol under Baricuatro's administration. He was also a key figure in previous administrations, known for his involvement in security and other programs.

The VSMMC hasn't yet issued a statement on the matter. Baricuatro is asking Dr. Aquino to come forward and clarify what happened.

For now, the governor isn't backing down. She's demanding transparency — not just for Garcia, but for the many patients who struggle to get admitted to public hospitals every day.