Who really pushed out Dr. Nicolo? Solons, contractors say not us

Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda has denied involvement in the reassignment of Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) Chief Dr. Joseph Dean Nicolo to Zamboanga, amid growing speculation that political and business interests may have influenced the move.

Baronda issued her statement despite not being directly named as the “lady solon” allegedly behind Nicolo’s reassignment.

“I have nothing to do with his reassignment. That is an internal matter of the DOH and WVMC. The trolls spreading these accusations are peddling lies,” she said, adding that questions should be directed to contractors linked to the controversy.

Other Iloilo lawmakers also distanced themselves from the issue.

Second District Rep. Kathryn Joyce Garin Gorriceta noted that when WVMC’s expansion projects began in 2019, she had not yet entered politics and was still a practicing physician.

First District Rep. Janette Garin, a former Health secretary, denied involvement as well, though she hinted that she may know who is behind Nicolo’s transfer.

Fifth District Rep. Binky April Tupas also rejected the claims, saying her focus remains on the needs of her constituents.

Contractors allegedly tied to the controversy likewise denied any wrongdoing.

1. Gurrea Construction Inc., which was named in online posts, released a statement categorically denying involvement in any illicit arrangements.

“F. Gurrea Construction Inc. firmly states that it has never engaged in, nor participated in, any improper arrangement related to the WVMC projects,” the company said.

“Any insinuation or rumor suggesting otherwise is false and damaging to our reputation.”

In a related development, the Iloilo City Council passed a resolution commending Nicolo’s accomplishments as WVMC chief.

The resolution, authored by Councilor Alan Zaldivar, was approved after nearly an hour of deliberation.

Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog abstained from the vote, warning that it might unduly influence Nicolo’s pending cases before the Office of the Ombudsman and the Civil Service Commission.

At the center of the issue is growing concern over whether Nicolo was removed for opposing alleged kickback demands tied to WVMC’s major infrastructure projects.

These projects include the PHP 350 million Cancer Center and the PHP 449 million Heart and Lung Center.

For critics, the core question has shifted from identifying which politician may have orchestrated Nicolo’s removal to asking whether Western Visayas’ largest public hospital is being run for patients — or for profits. (ADVERTORIAL)