Alfredo Lim Lose His Cool, Accused The Son of Lito Atienza As Drug User

Candidates Lim and Atienza had a debate last April 22, 2010 at the Polo Club Mayoral Debate spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Manila. The debate paved way for the candidates to tackle various social issues that concerns the city of Manila. When the drug problem of Manila was tackled, Lim outlined his strong campaign to prevent the rampant drug trade and use in the city; stating that he incessantly ceased the existence of drugs in Manila during his reign as the city’s Mayor. Lito Atienza, Lim’s opponent for the election, was unconvinced of Lim’s statements following the arrest of Lim’s son for selling drugs.

In 2008, the authorities apprehended Lim’s son, Manuel Lim for selling illegal drugs, an offense that is nonbailable an carries with it life imprisonment. Manila mayor Alfredo Lim conceded that his son was arrested by authorities, but claimed that he did not, in anyway, helped his son
with his case. In order to divert the issue, Lim pointed the accusation of drug use towards Ali Atienza, the son of his opponent and a national and international taekwondo competitor. The young Atienza who was in the audience called Lim a liar, as it was impossible for a former athlete like him, who competed in international games, to be a drug addict.

Embarassed with his accusation, Lim tried to come out clean by saying that it was former vice mayor Lacuna who said that Ali was a drug addict. Ali in defense of himself outlined to Lim his clean track record.The mayor, humiliated by his actions, spoke no further as the moderators of the program appeased both parties. Lito Atienza remained calm despite the events and managed to continue the debate.

Manila mayor Alfredo Lim tried his best to redeem himself from the humiliating accusation he dropped; however, the program ended with antagonism in the air. Unfortunately, Lim must have forgotten
that the audience was professional Rotarians. Lim usually gets away with his mediocre style of campaigning when he is facing customary crowd of tricycle drivers, vendors and the likes, but he must consider that he was facing professionals. It is just disheartening to see how this form of unintelligent debate can take place. Considering that these candidates are educated, people were expecting an intellectual discussion from them to prove their capabilities to lead.

Soon after, Ali Atienza brought the incident to the media saying that he would be filing a libel case against Lim. During an interview, the son of Lito Atienza said that as an athlete who has represented the Philippines in many international competitions, it was hurtful for him to be accused of being a drug addict. He also said that he worked hard to be on the top of his game, and it was really foul for a mayor to come into a
ridiculous accusation against a former athlete, who before competing, needs to comply with strict drug testing procedures. He also added that he will push the charges even after the election.

As election 2010 is just around the corner, it has been a norm for candidates to speak something negative against their competitors. These ill comments is one way for the candidates to pull down their opponents. However, for the candidates, they must also realize that by doing this they are also tarnishing their own reputation in the process. The people wants to have a leader who knows how to walk the talk and not just to talk and talk.

With the election 2010 coming, the Rotary Club of Manila held a mayoralty debate at the Manila Polo Club. Mayoralty candidates Alfredo Lim and Lito Atienza attended the said program. However, what appears to be a simple debate turned sour after Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim accused the son of his opponent, Ali Atienza, a drug user. The allegation directed by Lim caused a bit of hysteria among the audience, and angered the young Atienza and their family’s supporters.

-Joel Dumayog

Lito Atienza Deserves The Support Of Religious Groups

Various religious groups, including the influential Iglesia ni Cristo have endorsed the candidacy of comebacking Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

Apart from INC, Atienza is also being supported by Brother Mike Velarde of El Shaddai, Ustadz Ahmad Barcelom of the Manila Muslim community, Parish Councils of Manila as well as the majority of the city’s barangay chairmen, barangay councilors and watchmen and the pro-poor organization People’s Movement Against Poverty (PMAP).

It is widely known that the Iglesia ni Cristo has a huge following in the city. With the endorsement of the group, Atienza gains another 5 percent solid votes.

Based on the survey conducted last April 29, Atienza gained a 7 percentage lead against his toughest rival, incumbent Mayor Alfredo Lim. With the INC votes, it can now be considered that Atienza is 12 percent leading against his opponent.

Meanwhile, El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde earlier said Manila needs a pro-life mayor.

“Lito Atienza is not only pro-life, but also pro-good government,” he added.

According to Msgr. Mel David, one of Atienza’s spiritual advisers, he knows the former Environment secretary too well. “He has a good heart and he is very sincere in wanting to uplift the lives of Manilans. He is pro-God and represents good governance.”

On the other hand, PMAP president Ronald Lumbao said he endorsed the candidacy of Atienza because apart from being a God-fearing person, he believes that the former Environment secretary has a genuine concern to help and improve the plight of the poor.

“His programs answer the needs of the poor community of Manila. He’s very much unlike the incumbent mayor who doesn’t care about the less fortunate,” Lumbao said.

The Muslim community also back Atienza’s candidacy, saying he maintains friendship and communication with them despite the difference in belief and religion.

Meanwhile, 650 out of the 897 barangay chairmen, and most of the barangay kagawads and tanods said that they witnessed how the former and present mayor managed the city. They claimed that they were able to prove that Atienza is the one who has a genuine heart to help the people, especially the poor.

Atienza said he is grateful for all the endorsements. He thanked all those who believe in him and his programs and vowed to do his best to improve the quality of life of the Manilans by creating jobs and provide livelihood and other opportunities for all.

Lito Atienza Is The Most Eligible Man To Vote For Manila Mayor

Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza by a thousand mile is the best man to vote for mayor of the nation’s capital in this coming election 2010.The former DENR secretary boasts of having years of experience in public service, political will, wisdom, leadership stature and proven and unblemished track record which make him the most eligible person to win the much-coveted seat of the city mayor of this once glamorous and beautiful city. Atienza, the only mayor who won three consecutive three-year mandates, is well-admired by the entire city for being a true statesman and a father to all Manilenos, and for serving selflessly for the people of the city. One can just take a closer look at the former mayor’s innumerable achievements and various completed projects during his leadership to be able to see a clear picture of how this
man has completely dedicated himself in uplifting and changing the lives of the Manilenos particularly the impoverished.

We do not have to go that far to see how Lito Atienza performed during his tenure as city mayor. We just have to take note of how Manila was and the living conditions of its residents were three years ago.The Atienza administration is best described by the drastic transformation of the lives and welfare of Manila’s poorest residents. Atienza’s pro-poor programs and priority projects have made him one of the most loved and respected leaders in the city’s rich political history.

Lito Atienza is one of the most accomplished city mayors of Manila, and there is no doubt that he is indeed a true statesman and a dedicated public servant. During his tenure as city mayor; Atienza has transformed and uplifted the lives of the city’s poorest residents.
Atienza batted for the efficient extension of basic services as evident in the programs and priority projects that he started during his term as city mayor. He was able to address and include all of the social needs of his beloved Manilenos in his programs and priority projects including programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

Atienza has built and launched housing projects and land acquisition programs for the city’s homeless residents. The former Manila mayor also added more financial resources for the city’s public hospitals and health centers, as part of his efforts in improving the city’s healthcare services for its residents. This move has allowed public hospitals to purchase new medical equipment and medicines for enhanced healthcare services and to be able to provide free
medicines to the city’s impoverished residents. The city of Manila which is renowned for being a haven to the most notorious hold-up artists and pickpockets; has seen and witnessed the best peace and order situation under his leadership.During his administration, the city was able to experience its lowest crime levels in years due to Atienza’s considerable effort in ridding the entire city of drug traffickers and syndicates, which he believed as the main roots of all crimes in the city.

Atienza has also provided free education and school supplies to public school students. It was also during his administration that the city’s universities and colleges were improved as part of his efforts in providing the city’s residents with an affordable and quality college education. The former mayor of Manila during his stint launched the Manila Youth games, which became beneficial to many of the city’s budding and promising athletes. In addition, in support of the city’s
talented youth, Atienza provided free training of children who are talented in the fields of music and dance with the help of Manila’s top dancers and singers. The city’s senior residents have also benefited from the former mayor’s program for the senior citizens which included special services, big discounts and other freebies.

Aside from the enhanced delivery of basic services which has changed the lives of the poor, Atienza has also out the city of Manila back in the tourists’ map and in the list of top tourists’ destinations of the country. Atienza has also batted for the beautification and improvement of the city’s old and deteriorating parks and other tourist attractions. One of the most popular projects of the former mayor is the development of the city’s bay area commonly known as the “Baywalk”, which has enabled city residents, as well as local and foreign tourists to enjoy alfresco dining and listening to fine music while enjoying the world-renowned
Manila Bay sunset. It was also during his administration that the city’s navigation and travel were improved due to the drastic upgrading made in the city’s infrastructure.

Former Mayor of Manila Lito Atienza is the most eligible man to vote for Manila mayor in this coming election 2010. Atienza deserves to win another term as city mayor due to his outstanding achievements as a public servant and his vast experience and knowledge on being a true statesman who works for the greater good of people. His achievements and countless completed projects and programs are testimonies to his dedication to serving the Manilenos at the best way possible.

-Joel Dumayog