Labella now on indefinite leave
CEBU CITY, Philippines—Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella will be on indefinite leave starting Friday, October 8, 2021.
City Administrator Floro Casas, Jr., said that Labella is extending his leave after doctors advised the mayor to rest longer and avoid stress so he can fully recover.
Labella should have returned to work on Friday. His scheduled sick leave was from September 20 to October 7.
“Starting today, moleave si Mayor Edgar indefinitely. Sa pagkakaron si Mayor, luya pa gyod. He’s recovering,” said Casas.
He added that the mayor has been in and out of pneumonia, which has prompted his doctors to recommend more time to rest.
However, he assured the public that Mayor Labella will not resign from his post and will finish his term until June 30, 2021.
Casas said this indefinite leave of the mayor may reach more than 30 days, which means that Vice Mayor Michael Rama, in an acting capacity can already appoint or remove personnel at the City Hall.
According to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), acting mayors can only appoint or remove personnel if the absence of the incumbent mayor is more than 30 days.
However, the DILG Cebu City previously clarified that the official leave of the mayor cannot be declared or presumed as a permanent vacancy of position.
There is also no agency that has the power to declare a permanent vacancy due to the physical incapability of the incumbent to function brought by illness.
Only the court can do so, which means that Mayor Labella can take as many leaves as he can and still remain as mayor until the end of his term.
Jaypee Labella, the son of the mayor, who recently filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for North District councilor on October 8, 2021, said his father is doing well.
He apologized in the mayor’s behalf for no longer running this 2022 elections.
“Nakadecide mi sa family nga dili na modagan Papa. Maybe in three years, when 100 percent na iyang strength,” said Jaypee.
Jaypee’s goals for his candidacy is to improve labor and employment in the city.
/bmjo
READ MORE: Labella’s leave may be extended — Casas
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