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
Posted by mlastimoso14 
