Casas: Labella feeling “better” now

CEBU, Philippines —  Contrary to persistent rumors about Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella’s medical condition, city administrator Floro Casas, Jr. said the mayor is now feeling better compared to last week.

“Si Mayor better na gyud siya compared sa last week. In fact, frequent na ang amoang estorya karon. Halos every morning magkaestorya nami,” said Casas.

He is hoping the mayor can already return to work next week.

“Ako, personally, I’m hoping na mabalik na si mayor by next week,” Casas said.

Although, he admitted they are still waiting the doctors’ advice when will the mayor be discharged.

“But, I think it will be very soon. Kay akong last na tan-aw ni Mayor the other day, mura’g okay na man siya. I think he’s ready to go home na, but mao lagi na, ang atong pagtan-aw lahi man sa pagtan-aw sa mga doctor, so magpaabot nalang mi kung kanus-a siya pagawson. Di sad mi gusto nga mogawas siya prematurely,”  Casas explained.

It is not also guaranteed that Labella will immediately return to work after his discharge from the hospital. Casas said it will depend on his doctors especially that the number of COVID-19 cases is rising.

“Magbantay pud ta sa virus. Consideration pud na siya in deciding if mo-work from home or katong iya style sauna nga partly work from home nya work from City Hall,” said Casas.

Labella is currently confined in a private hospital as he is undergoing treatment for pneumonia.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Michael Rama said he has not yet seen or talked to Labella.

“I'm sorry to let you know that I have not seen my mayor and I have not talked to my mayor,” said Rama.

“If you're talking about any close kin of Edgardo, nobody called me. Number two, I have to check because I tried calling the telephone number of the city administrator, but it is unaccessible,” he added.

Rama earlier appealed to the mayor’s family to speak out regarding his health so that people will not make assumptions.

Rumors spread last week about Labella’s supposed death. His son, Jaypee, and Casas immediately belied the reports and asked those responsible for spreading the wrong information to stop and instead offer prayers for the immediate recovery of the mayor. — FPL (FREEMAN)