CEBU, Philippines - Former Cebu City Councilor Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem will pursue his candidacy despite his health condition.
Mayor Michael Rama announced during the deadline for substitution yesterday that Team Rama and Jakosalem’s family agreed to let him continue his candidacy.
“We will respect the Certificate of Candidacy filed by Jack. Sharon will be campaigning for him,” Rama said.
He said Team Rama lives by the principle “One for all and all for one.”
“That’s why we decided that we will not abandon Jack,” Rama said.
Jakosalem is still confined in the hospital for almost three months now after he underwent a surgery for parasitic infection in the brain.
He suffered a relapse of neurocysticercosis, a parasitic disease in the nervous system.
He was treated for the same disease years ago and survived until last September, when he started complaining of severe headaches with episodes of seizures.
The result of his cranial scan showed the infection has returned.
He underwent procedures and is now recovering.
Rama said Jakosalem was already transferred from the Intensive Care Unit to a private room last Thursday.
“I was so happy to finally see him in the private room. His responses are very promising,” Rama said.
Team Rama is confident Jakosalem will be able to recover in no time and their prayers are with the former councilor.
The mayor said he asked the Perpetual Succour Hospital for assistance, in any way possible, with regards to the former councilor’s increasing bill.
Jakosalem’s doctor reported last Monday that he is recovering slowly.
He is undergoing regular therapy. There are no future operations deemed necessary by his doctors.
He can already sit, move his arms and make small gestures to acknowledge the person talking to him.
His doctor said his responses are promising. (FREEMAN)