Labella sought postponement of IBP debate to see Duterte at Malacañang Palace

President Rodrigo Duterte raises the hand of Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgar Labella during a visit at the Malacañang Palace earlier today, May 6. | Photo from Labella’s FB page

CEBU CITY, Philippines – His need to attend a meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte at the Malacañang Palace was the reason why Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgar Labella sought the postponement of the debate that he was supposed to have with Mayor Tomas Osmeña on Monday, May 6, 2019.

Labella showed proof by posting a picture of the President raising his right hand on his Facebook page at past 9 p.m. Monday.

“I’m sorry I had to request the IBP to postpone the debate. This was my very important meeting earlier today. 🇵🇭👊🏼🇵🇭👊🏼🇵🇭👊🏼 — at Malacañang Palace.,” Labella posted on his FB page.

Read More: Labella tells Osmeña: Sorry, see you on May 10

Labella’s post received 892 engagements, 159 shares and 152 comments as of 10:30 p.m.

The vice mayor was supposed to face off with Mayor Osmeña in a debate organized by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Monday afternoon, but he sought postponement of the debate to May 10 because of an important meeting that he had to attend in Manila.

Read More: Oliva: May 10 is final schedule for IBP debate

“Mao diay na postponed to ang debate kay naa pay mas importante nga adtuon si Vice Mayor well sakto man sad. Congrats Vice Mayor Edgar Labella,” commented Jake B. Makahilo.

“Kung si Mayor labella makadaog, kanindot cgoro sa cebu makayano ra jud og duol ni President Duterte,” says JL Nabz.

This was already the second time that Duterte raised Labella’s hand as an expression of support for his candidacy. The president also did the same during his Cebu visit in February to campaign for the PDP-Laban senatorial candidates.