Labella eyes leaving PCAC chairmanship

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella is contemplating on leaving the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council (PCAC) as chairman but will continue to supervise its meetings and operations. 

He said Mayor Michael Rama has given him other responsibilities that have hampered his attendance at PCAC meetings.

“I can no longer attend to the weekly meetings because of the so many tasks from the mayor. In the meantime, to let go of my function. We are still discussing it with the mayor because I can no longer attend the weekly meetings because of too many things to do. My hands are full of so many other things,” Labella told reporters yesterday.

Labella said he is eyeing at recommending Engr. Eugene Elizalde, a board member of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District representing the engineering sector, as his replacement at PCAC.

In fact, Labella said, Elizalde was once chairman of the commission.

There is still a possibility, though, that he will head the commission again, he said.

“Maybe when ma-reduce na ang work load nako because there are so many assigned tasks by the mayor,” he said, when asked when will he comes back as PCAC chairman.

Labella admitted that giving the post up would give him time to prepare for next year’s elections. He is seeking reelection under Team Rama’s party.

Labella said Rama has asked him to get involved in the city’s landless program and to help city residents who are affected by demolitions ordered by the court.

“It is just quite surprising that this time, these orders are coming out,” Labella said.

Just recently, Labella and Rama stalled the demolition of houses at Sitio ESCO-Englis in Barangay Guadalupe, which affected over 100 families.

Another demolition ordered by the court in Sitio Panaghiusa at the North Reclamation Area in Barangay Carreta was stalled with Labella’s intervention.

Labella clarified, however, that he will retain his chairmanship of the city’s Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission.  (FREEMAN)