Rama ready to take over City Hall

CEBU, Philippines —  “I am always ready.”

This was the statement of Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama following the confirmation from Mayor Edgardo Labella’s son, Jaypee Labella, that his father had suffered a mild stroke while being hospitalized in August this year.

Jaypee, in a text message to broadcast journalist, radio commentator and columnist Bobby Nalzaro, said his father’s speech and lower extremities were affected.

He assured, however, that the mayor is now in “good shape and in the process of recovering.”

Rama said he is always ready to take over the functions of the mayor, be it as acting or permanently.

“I'm always ready. I've been telling (City Administrator) Jun Casas that I'm always ready. Dili ra man ako ang ready ba, naay Dondon Hontiveros, naay Dave Tumulak, naa say Nestor Archival,” Rama told reporters.

“We just have to leave it to Mayor Edgar Labella and the family on how they will handle the matter,” he said.

The vice mayor added that he is well aware of the challenges the city is currently facing such as the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination, garbage, and other issues against the city government.

He functioned as acting mayor for five times already this year while Labella was on leave.

Rama said he will talk to City Administrator Floro Casas, Jr. regarding his supposed visit to the mayor.

Casas said earlier that he and Labella’s staff members have been assisting the mayor as he works from home.

The mayor has been working from home since he returned from his medical leave last June. — KQD  (FREEMAN)