Labella on 3-week leave, reveals having sepsis

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella is taking a three-week leave starting today, June 9, to focus on his recovery as he revealed that apart from ear infection, he also had sepsis or blood infection.

In a press conference yesterday, Labella recalled the time when he was rushed to the hospital for an ear infection in January “but that was not all.”

“While I was at the hospital, and after thorough tests, I was told that I had sepsis or blood infection. I almost died,” Labella revealed.

Labella said his doctors advised him back then to take a couple of months off work in order to rest and fully recuperate, but he said he begged off given the resurgence of COVID-19 cases earlier this year.

“Dili nako maako nga magpahuway samtang dako kaayong hagit ang giatubang sa atong syudad. To recall, last January, we experienced a second surge of COVID cases in the City. Daghan kinahanglan atimanon niadtong panahona, maong I decided to continue to work. My health momentarily took a backseat,” he said.

Considering that the cases in city are now manageable and the vaccination is ongoing, Labella said he is finally heeding the advice of his doctors.

“I will take this opportunity to pay greater attention to my recovery. During the next three weeks, I will be undergoing a medical workup to make sure there are no more infections sa akong lawas. Through this, I will just be in the City of Cebu,” said Labella.

Rama and Dondon

While Labella is on leave, Vice Mayor Michael Rama will serve as acting mayor while Councilor Donaldo Hontiveros will serve as acting vice mayor.

Sought for comment, Rama promised Labella he would take care of the city while the latter is taking “a much-needed rest.”

Rama said he had been trying to get in touch with Labella the past few days but only got the chance to talk to him yesterday.

“We had a talk this morning… He (Mayor Labella) was talking about health and other things... I told him, don’t worry, I’ll take care of the city,” he told The FREEMAN.

“It’s the best thing for him to do (to take a leave), then let’s give him that. No specific instruction from him. He knows I've been in this level of responsibility. This is not a new thing to me,” he added.

Meanwhile, Labella also entrusted City Administrator Floro Casas Jr. to keep all City Hall operations running.

He assured though that even as he focuses on his recovery, he will continue to monitor the city.

“It is on the spirit of transparency and accountability that I am making public the state of my health. I have come to realize that it is important for me to focus on my recovery so I can also take care of the people of the City of Cebu,” said Labella.

“I am not getting any younger. Mapasalamaton ko sa Ginoo nga I got a new lease on life and I promise you that I will come back better and stronger,” he added.

To recall, Labella went on a three-day medical leave due to ear infection back in January. After his leave, he then observed a work from arrangement for over a month and returned at the City Hall in March.

Last week, Labella took another three-day medical leave after he was admitted to the hospital over the weekend because of “slight pneumonia.” — Caecent N. Magsumbol, JMD (FREEMAN)