Rama, del Mar unaffected by health rumors

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he sees no need to make public his medical records a day after his rival, Rep. Tomas Osmeña released his own medical checkup findings to show he no longer has bladder cancer.

Rama, who is the target of campaign rumors that he suffers from prostate cancer, brushed aside Osmeña’s disclosure of a CT scan of his abdomen and pelvis in the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center six months ago which showed “no evidence of cancer” in his system.

“Nganong magproblema man kog medical records nga wala man koy sakit (Why would I have problems with my medical records when I am not sick)?” Rama told a press conference yesterday.

He hinted that he may show his own records but only after the May 13 election.

Congressional candidate Raul del Mar, an Osmeña ally, also said it’s unnecessary for him show his medical records.

Del Mar, whose noticeable weight loss fed rumors that he suffered a stroke or cancer, said his losing weight was “intentional. He said he has not been admitted at any hospital for any disease in the last 24 years.

“I don’t intend to grow fat. I’ve been exercising and working out almost daily for almost two years now to maintain my weight at 142 pounds. I am also watching my diet,” del Mar told Cebu Daily News by phone.

Del Mar said if it becomes necessary to present his medical records, then he will ask his doctor for a copy.

During a visit to the Cebu Daily News offie yesterday, del Mar’s rival congressional candidate Annabelle Rama said she heard reports from her people that del Mar visited a Cebu city hospital to be examined for an illness.

“All I can say about that is that I pray for him. I wish him no ill (even if we’re running for the same post),” she told CDN reporters and editors yesterday.

Council candidate Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem, whose wife attends Team Rama campaign sorties on his behalf, remains at home after undergoing brain surgery for a recurring and rare parasite infection.Team Rama campaign manager councilor Jose Daluz III said Jakosalem is not backing out of the race.

“Of course he will push through with his candidacy. It’s only a few days left before the elections,” Daluz said in a phone interview.

Mayor Rama said they will hold their miting de avance simultaneously in three areas in the north and south districts.

For the north, a rally will be held in Carreta, Lahug and Talamban while another will be held at barangays Inayawan, Mambaling and San Nicolas in the south.

Rama said they will also hook up a live feed system to show all three rallies simultaneously starting at 7 p.m today at the Cebu Catholic Television Network (CCTN).

“There may be celebrities there. All elements of greatness should be present. We can’t be intellect alone. There should be some nutrients to the soul. And that is culture and the arts. Team Rama is a multi-talented team,” Rama said.

“Our rivals are angry. But we touch down with the people and they’re happy being entertained. If they request the mayor to dance, I will give it to them. If they request the mayor to sing, I would gladly do it,” he added.