Even without any appointment made by Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella will take over as acting mayor from July 23 to July 28.
In an interview Friday morning, Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said a formal appointment by the mayor is not needed as the law provides that the vice mayor automatically assumes the position of acting mayor when Cebu City Tomas Osmeña leaves for Japan tomorrow, July 23, for a vacation.
Labella said that it is stipulated in the local government code that once the governor or the mayor will leave for official business or vacation, there’s no need for appointment, the vice governor or vice mayor automatically assumes the power of the mayor.
Osmeña and his wife Councilor Margot Osmeña are travelling to Japan to celebrate their birthdays, July 26 for Tomas and July 25 for Margot.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has approved Osmeña’s leave until July 28.