Cebuanos mourned the death of Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella who passed away in a private hospital here around 4 a.m. on Friday. | nestleCDN
Philippine flags at government offices in Cebu City were flown at half-staff as a tribute to Labella, on the order of Acting Mayor Michael Rama.Rama, who was expected to formally assume as mayor anytime now, hailed his political “partner” and “dear friend” since the 1990s. Labella used to be the vice mayor of then Mayor Rama until they switched positions in 2019 and won.
“We have had many great years together in public service. I could not have asked for a better partner,” Rama said, adding that even if they went through “political and personal adversity in life, Edgar was always there to console and support myself and my family during those days when we felt that true friends were few and fair-weathered.”
He added: “He never failed to make light moments despite the hard times, by cracking a joke or sharing an anecdote with us. As friends go, Edgar was, a true one. He was like family.” Labella has been battling different kinds of ailments since January 2021 and had gone on repeated medical leaves until his demise.
Prior to joining the city’s politics as a councilor in 1998, Labella served as director of the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas from 1994 to 1998.Labella was one of the survivors of the 1998 sinking of the passenger ferry MV Princess of the Orient that sailed from Manila to Cebu during Typhoon “Vicki” where 150 of the 388 passengers died. He stayed afloat for 36 hours clad in a life vest until he was rescued.
Labella was also a regular runner at the Cebu City Sports Center as a member of the Walk and Talk Club.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cebu City mayor Labella passes away at 70CEBU City Mayor Edgardo Labella passed away on Friday because of septic shock secondary to pneumonia, his son Edgardo 'Jaypee' Labella Jr. said in a press conference. He was 70.'We...
Read more »
Cebu City Jail warden recalls support of Mayor Labella to inmates, personnelCEBU CITY, Philippines — The top official of the Cebu City Jail Male Dormitory recalls the support of Mayor Edgardo Labella, who passed away on Friday, November 19, 2021. Jail Superintendent Jose Abueva, Cebu City Jail warden, said that Labella had been very supportive not only to the inmates but also to all personnel of […]
Read more »
Cebu officials pay tribute to late Mayor Edgardo LabellaCEBU CITY, Philippines - Cebu officials, including those from the opposing camp fondly remembered and paid tribute to the late Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella who died Friday dawn, November 19,
Read more »
Bid to bring shabu inserted inside bananas to Cebu City Jail foiled, habal habal driver nabbedCEBU CITY, Philippines -- A 44-year-old habal habal driver or motorcycle for hire driver was arrested after a bunch of ripe bananas he was about to hand over to an “ill inmate” inside the Cebu
Read more »
Cebu City gears up for 2022 Bar ExamsLast September, the Supreme Court has rescheduled this year’s Bar examinations from November to January and February 2022
Read more »
Cebu BBM supporters to Comelec: ‘Fair and impartial’ decision of DQ petitionsCEBU CITY, Philippines -- Supporters of presidential aspirant and former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Central Office to have a fair
Read more »