CEBU CITY — Acting Mayor Michael Rama vowed that he will "not rock the boat" amidst the extended absence of City Mayor Edgardo Labella, who was hospitalized again due to pneumonia.
Rama told reporters on Tuesday that he is adjusting to so many things as being an acting mayor has limited powers.
The family of Labella said that the mayor intends to finish his term despite his current health condition that forced him to file several leave of absences.
The Department of Interior Local Government-Cebu City has pointed out that Rama can already exercise the full power of a mayor after Labella had gone on more than 30 days of being on leave.
Rama, however, insisted it will not be an issue for him if the ailing Labella decides not to resign.
“I will be very clear that I will not rock the boat. Currently until June 30 is the term of the elected mayor,” Rama said.
Rama assured he will continue the current programs and projects initiated by Labella.
The family of Labella has confirmed that the mayor was hospitalized again over the weekend due to complications from “pneumonia and minor sepsis.”
It is the fourth time this year that Labella was hospitalized.
In his latest hospital admission, the family revealed that Labella had to be taken to the Intensive Care Unit of a private hospital.
Labella, who is currently on an indefinite leave, has already been away from City Hall for the past 44 calendar days.
The mayor’s family confirmed that Labella was hospitalized “due to another episode of pneumonia."
“A few days ago, there was an indication that he was suffering from minor sepsis but fortunately this was prevented and he has already been taken to a private room where he is currently recovering and recuperating," read the family's statement.
During Tuesday's press briefing attended by Labella's wife Joy and sons Eugene and JP, the family confirmed that the mayor was diagnosed with prostate cancer 12 years ago.
”But he was duly operated and treated on time. He was already cleared and his cancer was under controlled,” Eugene said.
“In January 2021, he was admitted. He was admitted for an ear infection unya nisamot siya (and it got worse) and eventually we found out that he had sepsis or blood infection. He almost died at that point but thankfully true to the survivor that he is, he was able to recover. After that incident, the mayor has been experiencing a recurring pneumonia and had to be brought to the hospital a number of times including last July where he had stayed in the hospital for a few weeks. He was also taken to the ICU again because his pneumonia had taken a downturn. But even then, he was able to overcome and he cleared by the doctors to go home (last July),” the mayor’s son added.
The family said the mayor was “heavily medicated" but was not "sedated" and has no plans to resign.