Mabilog goes on sick leave

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Embattled Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog is on sick leave.

Mabilog is suffering from diabetes mellitus type 2 and filed a leave from Sept. 11 to 30 to seek treatment abroad, his spokesman, lawyer Mark Piad, said yesterday.

Piad assured Mabilog’s constituents that the mayor’s health concerns are nothing serious.

“Most probably, one of the factors that triggered (his sickness) was too much stress. He needs time off to seek treatment,” Piad said. 

He said the mayor would return after his leave.

Piad said Mabilog joined his family abroad, but did not give details about his whereabouts. Piad said the mayor relayed the information to him in a quick phone call.

Mabilog’s wife had earlier said she left the country with their two children, citing “real threats” to their security.

Piad said it was the first time in Mabilog’s long years in public service that he went on leave. “I guess this is a good opportunity for him to spend time with his family. He finished his commitments before going on leave,” Piad said.

Mabilog last reported for work on Aug. 29 when he addressed city hall employees at the flag-raising ceremony a day after President Duterte announced that he was appointing Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido as officer-in-charge of the Iloilo City police. The appointment has since been cancelled.

Mabilog then flew to Japan and attended a conference on disaster management from Aug. 30 to Sept. 4. He also attended the Urban Environment Accords Summit in Malaysia from Sept. 7 to 9.

Last Monday, Piad said Mabilog was considering filing a leave of absence from work because he was affected by President Duterte’s statements that the mayor is protecting drug lords.

Duterte also ordered a lifestyle check on Mabilog, saying the mayor’s mansion in Iloilo was a product of his earnings from illegal drugs.

Piad reiterated that Mabilog did not flee, but went on official travel in performance of his functions.