Cebu’s Labella denies alleged harassment of rival supporters

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo “Edgar” Labella has denied allegations that he and his party are involved in the alleged police harassment of rival supporters on Monday morning, May 13. 

“Wa gyud koy kalibutan ni ana… Dili ko taw nga mo gamit og kusog, mo gamit og pulis,” Labella told reporters after casting his vote at Mabolo Elementary School. 

(I have nothing to do with that, I am not a person who uses force, who uses the police.)

Labella is vying to grab the seat from incumbent Mayor Tomas Osmeña, a 26-year local official who is running for a second term after winning his seat back from his ex-Vice Mayor Michael Rama in 2016. 

Endorsed by President Rodrigo Duterte, Labella reacted to alleged instances of police harassment against Osmeña-allied barangays, saying he and his party had nothing to do with it. 

He instead praised the police for their “relentless” pursuit against vote buying, not only in Cebu but all over the country.

“Naa’y checkpoints ang among balay gahapon, sus, naay mga pulis nga ga atang, lipay ko. Kay wa man ta’y gitago. Wa man ta’y daotan nga buhaton,” said Labella. 

(There were checkpoints outside our house yesterday, there were policemen waiting, I was happy. Because I have nothing to hide. I am not doing anything wrong.)

Labella hopes after the heated election season, he and Osmeña will forgive each other. He said he’s also asking forgiveness to people that he has hurt, and extends his forgiveness to those who have hurt him. – Rappler.com