Statement of Senator Joel Villanueva on the passing of Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella
I remember Mayor Edgardo Labella as a gentleman whose words were measured, gestures kind, and affection genuine.
Seeing him at work during my numerous visits to the city he loved so much, he did not pander to the mob with incendiary language but sought to move them with grand ideas he championed.
Although tributes will hail his labors in his last post, he was a civil servant for four decades, through seven presidents, and whether it was in Malacanang or in the Ombudsman or in the City Council, he did his duty with dedication, discipline, and decency.
"Seeing him at work during my numerous visits to the city he loved so much, he did not pander to the mob with incendiary language but sought to move them with grand ideas he championed."
The grit of the man can be seen when he worked to keep his city afloat during the worst pandemic in history while battling his own sickness.
If his signature brand of service was to keep the hopes, progress, dreams of Cebu City buoyant, that resilience probably stemmed from his experience as a sinking ship survivor when he clung for dear life for 36 hours.
And Cebuanos ended up better for being beneficiaries of his tenacity.
Rest in peace, Mayor Edgar. We join Cebuanos in remembering your life and service. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Ma'am Joy and your entire family.