Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia over the weekend, he said in a Facebook post on Monday evening, May 31. 

“I would like to inform everyone that during the weekend, I had a fever and was admitted to a hospital after advice. After consultations and a series of tests, they found out that I have slight pneumonia,” Labella said in his post. 

This is the second time Labella has been on sick leave – but the third reported illness – in less than a year. 

He previously went on sick leave for gallbladder surgery in September 2020.

Cebu City’s chief executive also had an ear infection in February where his doctors advised him to work from home for almost a month to avoid the possibility of catching COVID-19. 

“I am due for discharge today but my doctor advised me to set aside time to rest,” Labella said. “I am heeding medical advice and will be on leave for three days beginning today until Wednesday,” the mayor added.

Vice Mayor Michael Rama will be in charge while Labella is recovering.

The last time Labella was ill, Rama urged him to reveal his “true state of health.” 

Labella defended his working from home in February, saying he was still able to conduct meetings virtually and direct his staff even when he was not in the office.

He told Rama then to “stop politicking” and focus on “working harder” while Cebu City was still grappling with a pandemic. – Rappler.com