Cebu (CNN Philippines, November 2) — Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella was hospitalized again over the weekend due to complications from pneumonia and minor sepsis.

At a press briefing Tuesday, the Labella family confirmed he was admitted “due to another episode of pneumonia” and was “briefly taken to an intensive care unit.”

It’s the fourth time this year that the mayor was hospitalized. He was previously admitted in January, May, and July.

Eugene Labella, one of the mayor’s sons, said his father was diagnosed with cancer 12 years ago.

“But he was duly operated and treated on time. He was already cleared and his cancer was under control,” said the younger Labella.

“In January 2021, he was admitted. He was admitted for an ear infection unya nisamot siya [and it got worse] and eventually we found out that he had sepsis or blood infection. He almost died at that point but thankfully, true to the survivor that he is, he was able to recover. After that incident, the mayor has been experiencing a recurring pneumonia and had to be brought to the hospital a number of times including last July where he had stayed in the hospital for a few weeks. He was also taken to the ICU again because his pneumonia had taken a downturn. But even then, he was able to overcome and he was cleared by the doctors to go home (last July),” the mayor’s son said.

No other details on Labella’s health were given, but his family said he would not be relinquishing his post.

In a separate briefing, acting Cebu City mayor Michael Rama said he would perform his responsibilities while Labella is on medical leave.

“I will be very clear that I will not rock the boat. Currently, until June 30 is the term of the elected Mayor Labella,” Rama said.

Rama pointed out he would continue with the current programs and projects of Labella.