Labella proves he’s not in a coma, holds virtual press conference

A screenshot of Mayor Edgardo Labella taken during a virtual press conference on Wednesday, January 27, 2021.

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella dispelled rumors that he is in a comatose state as he showed up for a live virtual conference from his home in Barangay Bacayan here on Wednesday, January 27, 2021.

The mayor said he is currently recovering from an ear infection after he went on official leave from January 19 to 22, 2021.

Read: Labella not in ‘coma,’ but in hospital for ear infection

Although he is still recuperating, the mayor said he is working at home as per doctor’s advice.

With a bandage on his right ear, Labella said he was prohibited from being exposed to too many people to avoid worsening his condition.

“The worse is over. I am still undergoing some treatment. I never expected that it would be that serious. The treatment is continuous with antibiotics. According to the doctors, the treatments should not be less than 10 days, but not more than 15 days. I have been advised to stay home,” said Labella.

For now, the city mayor will be holding office at home while he entrusts Vice Mayor Michael Rama to oversee the operations at the City Hall with the help of the city councilors.

” I am confident that the vice mayor is doing his job well,” the mayor added.

There is no definite time when Labella will be physically returning to the City Hall to handle affairs in his office as the treatment may still go on for the next ten days.

However, the mayor assured the public that operations will go on smoothly at the City Hall despite his physical absence.

Labella has not filed an official leave and has opted to work in isolation as he recuperates from the ear infection.

/bmjo