Congresswoman Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda has denied having a hand in the transfer of Dr. Joseph Dean Nicolo from Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Iloilo City to Labuan General Hospital (LGU) in Zamboanga City.
In a statement, Baronda said the decision to transfer Nicolo is an “internal matter” of WVMC and the Department of Health (DOH).
The lawmaker allegedly demanded kickbacks from the P350-million Cancer Center Building Project, and the P450-million Heart and Lung Building Project.
“Ang ginapalapta sang trolls nila nga isyu kontra sa akon kaladlawan ina. Ano kuno nangayo ako kickback para kay Dr. Nicolo? That’s absurd,” Baronda said.
“Kabutigan gid ina. Total lie. Maayo sina pamangkuton niyo ang mga contractors nga gin-mention sang trolls,” she added.
Congresswomen Janette Garin, Kathy Gorriceta, and Binky Tupas also denied their involvement in Nicolo’s reassignment.
Currently, WVMC is “coordinating with appropriate authorities to verify the status of Nicolo’s reassignment and to seek official guidance on the matter.”
“The said reassignment was initially posted on the DOH Intranet on September 10, 2025, but was subsequently taken down the following day, September 11, 2025,” it said.
Meanwhile, the hospital reminded all its employees to “practice responsible engagement in public discourse and social media especially on speculations of kickbacks.”IMT
