FORMER Cebu City Integrated Traffic Operations Management (Citom) chairman Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem is confined in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Perpetual Succour Hospital in City for a still unspecified illness.
In his press conference yesterday, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he visited Jakosalem in his hospital room but declined to give details.
“I don’t have to bring it up in public,” Rama said.
Jakosalem’s attending doctor is neurologist Jarungchai Anton Vatanagul.
Jakosalem, a former three-term councilor, is running for city councilor in Cebu City’s north district under Team Rama.
From other sources, it was learned that Jakosalem may have suffered a relapse of an acute parasite infection that forced his confinement last year with a regimen of heavy antibiotics.
He told friends after that episode that he experienced severe headaches and didn’t think it was serious until a brain scan showed the presence of a parasite.
Councilor Joey Daluz III yesterday said Jakosalem is “recovering” based on a text message from the official’s wife. He said he didn’t ask details out of respect for the family’s privacy. Daluz is Team Rama’s campaign manger.
Jakosalem was reported to have complained of headaches again during last week’s filing of certificate of candidacies.
Jakosalem was instrumental in arranging the delivery of anti-snake venom from Camiguin to a Cebu City Zoo employee who was bitten by a King Cobra. Correspondent Tweeny M. Malinao