Rama to join marathon to belie cancer rumors

CEBU, Philippines - To prove to the public that he is healthy and disprove reports that he has prostate cancer, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama plans to join the marathon organized by the Cebu Executive Runners Club in coordination with the Cebu City government.

In his regular press conference in City Hall yesterday, the mayor explained that he will not risk himself if it is true that he is suffering from prostate cancer.

Rama said that all candidates should prove to the public that they are healthy and ready to serve the people by joining this kind of exercise, but he will not challenge his opponents to participate in marathon.  Rama also said he will only go for the five-kilometer run.

“Akong dasigon ang mga tawo nga moapil sila sa marathon kay makaayo ni sa ilang lawas apan dili ko mohagit sa akong mga kaatbang sa politika nga moapil kay basin og ako maoy basulon kon may mahitabo nila,” Rama said without mentioning any names.

Two weeks ago, an unidentified person called up radio station dyLA during the paid radio program “Tommy Osmeña ug ang Barangay” informing the program handler that Rama was seen by his friend checking into a hotel in Lahug with his doctors.

The caller alleged said that Rama’s was having his prostate checked for cancer.

But the mayor denied the report saying that he has already undergone an executive panel check-up and the result was that he is healthy.

Rama asked the officials of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas to ensure that radio programs are not used to malign the personality of candidates in the upcoming polls.

  –(FREEMAN)