Atienza to Lim: My Son Is Not A Drug Addict, Yours Was

The Rotary Club of Manila held a Polo Club Mayoral Debate last April 22, 2010, participated by mayoralty candidates Lim and Atienza. Various social issues were tackled by the competing candidates during the debate. The discussion went over the issue of drug trade and use, with Lim noting his continuous campaign in preventing the said activities. Lito Atienza, Lim's opponent for the election, was unconvinced of Lim's statements following the arrest of Lim's son for selling drugs.

It could be recalled that the son of Lim, Manuel Lim was apprehended in 2008 for selling illicit drugs, a nonbailable offense that also carries 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. Ali Atienza who was in the audience cried foul and called Lim a liar, saying that how can a national athlete, who competes in international games with strict drug testing procedures, be a drug addict?

Lim, embarrassed with his allegations, pointed the blame to former vice mayor Lacuna, claiming that Lacuna was the one who said the gossip. Ali then went on the stage and lectured Alfredo Lim about his track record as a national athlete.Lim, at that moment, humiliatingly yield to the fumes of the young Atienza, as the moderators of the debate took control of the situation. Lito Atienza remained calm despite the events and managed to continue the debate.

The debate however did not last long, but Manila mayor Alfredo Lim tried to save face until the last minute. Unfortunately, Lim must have forgotten that the audience was professional Rotarians. Usually Alfredo Lim can get away with lies when he is facing the city's customary street crowd of vendors, tricycle drivers and the likes; appearing in Tondo one and two with his usual mediocre style of campaigning. It is just discouraging to see candidates speaking ill about their competitors. As the upcoming leaders of the city, the public expects more from these candidates than the senseless words coming from their mouths.

Ali Atienza will not easily let go of Lim's allegations, stating that he would be filing a libel case against the mayor. The son of Lito Atienza said that he was deeply hurt about the allegations dropped by Lim. 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, it should be realized that as public leaders, this practice clearly sends out the message to the voters that what candidates are capable of doing just to be in the position. This is because the public has already given up with the ongoing political drama, and prefer leaders who knows how to walk the talk over those who talks and talks.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim is caught under public scrutiny after he accused the son of Lito Atienza for being a drug addict. The incident took place during the Mayoralty Debate arranged by the Rotary Club of Manila last April 22 2010. The allegation dropped by Lim angered Ali Atienza, and told the media after the debate that he is ready to press charges against the Mayor even after election 2010 is over. This event could seriously affect Lim's candidacy.

-Joel Dumayog

Mayor Of Manila Lito Atienza Plans To Continue His Commitment To The City's Poor

Among the most notable political personalities who joined the Manila elections is former Manila mayor Lito Atienza. Atienza is considered as one of the early frontrunners in the mayoralty race due to his years of experience in public service, political will, wisdom, leadership stature and proven and unblemished track record. Atienza's colorful political career has spanned for almost four decades now, a clear indication on how he has lived his life as a statesman and public servant.Atienza's stint as Manila mayor is best described by a radical transformation of the city's old and forgotten tourist areas, and the improved living conditions for city folks.

Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza, who owns the record as the only mayor who has served a full term, is one of the most respected and beloved leaders in the city's rich political history. His resume includes volumes of accomplishments and completed projects which have benefited a lot of Manilenos. As a way to fulfill his vision of giving the Manilenos with a city that they can call their own, and which they will care for; the former mayor of Manila is launching a comeback bid at the mayoralty seat. Atienza will be continuing his commitment to serve his beloved city and its residents under his program "Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila."

The former mayor of Manila will continue his battle against poverty and will try to improve the living conditions of the city's impoverished residents.For him, improving the living conditions of the city's residents should begin within the ranks of the local government through an effective delivery of basic services.Atienza will ensure an improved delivery of basic services especially to Manila's poorest residents. To achieve his goal, former Manila mayor Lito Atienza has penciled numerous livelihood and economic projects to uplift the living conditions within the city.

As part of his program "Buyahin Nating Muli ang Maynila.", Atienza plans on improving the delivery of basic services as a way of extending the local government's help in uplifting the lives of the city folks. Atienza plans on launching several programs aimed to benefit the city's poorest residents. These programs will cover housing programs, improved healthcare services, enhanced peace and order situation, access to education, sports development, improving the arts and culture, caring for the nature and welfare of the citizens.Some of these projects have already been started by Atienza during his tenure as Manila mayor.

Atienza plans to continue his affordable housing and land acquisition programs for the poor. With the help of non-government organizations like Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity, Atienza will continue building affordable houses in the city's poorest sections including Isla Putting Bato, Parola 1 and 2, and Baseco. Improved healthcare services are among the chief projects of Atienza.Atienza will increase the budget allocated for the procurement of medical equipment and medicines, and to sustain the city's free healthcare services including free check ups and medicines.

Atienza will be going after drug traffickers and syndicates as part of improving the peace and order situation of the city.The former mayor will also pour in a big portion of the city's resources into education to sustain the delivery of free education, free school supplies, affordable college education and alternative education that offers vocational and technical courses for all Manilenos.The development of sports, culture and arts will also be one of the key projects of Atienza as a way of as a way of extending the city government's support to the talented and promising residents of Manila. As a former Environment secretary, Atienza will also promote policies which can ensure the protection of nature as well as of the public including the removal of the oil depot in Pandacan. Senior citizens can also avail of great discounts and other benefits as part of Atienza's program dedicated for the welfare of the older citizens of the city.

Former

-Ulysees Ong

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

The Rotary Club of Manila held a Polo Club Mayoral Debate last April 22, 2010, participated by mayoralty candidates Lim and Atienza. The debate paved way for the candidates to tackle various social issues that concerns the city of Manila. When the discussion went to the issue of drugs, Lim noted his accomplishments against drug trade and use during his tenure as the city 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.

The son of Alfredo Lim, Manuel Lim was busted for selling illegal drugs in 2008 by the authorities. 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. As Lim was placed in the hot seat, he strained the topic by accusing the son of Atienza, Ali Atienza, a national athlete and a gold medalist of the taekwondo Asian games, of being a drug addict himself. 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.

Turning red with embarrassment, Alfredo Lim who had no proof about his accusation, tried to cover his statement by pointing to former Vice Mayor Lacuna as the one who stated it. Ali then went on the stage and lectured Alfredo Lim about his track record as a national athlete.Lim spoke no more about his allegations against Atienza, while the moderators of the debate take over to calm down both parties. Amidst the heated situation, Lito Atienza managed to stay calm and shrug off the issue, and continued with the debate.

The debate ended in a detached manner, with Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim trying to redeem himself from the embarrassing accusation he dropped against Ali Atienza. Unfortunately, Lim must have forgotten that the audience was professional Rotarians. With his mediocre means of campaigning, Lim usually pleases the city's usual crowd but he must have considered that what he was facing during that time were professional individuals who can be critical about his actions. It is just discouraging to see candidates speaking ill about their competitors. Considering that these candidates are educated, people were expecting an intellectual discussion from them to prove their capabilities to lead.

Ali Atienza will not easily let go of Lim's allegations, stating that he would be filing a libel case against the mayor. The son of Lito Atienza noted that it pained him, as a former athlete, 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. Atienza said that even after the election is over he would continue the case against Lim in order to give justice to his reputation that the mayor has tarnished.

With election 2010 almost near, it has been a normal practice for competing candidates to speak ill against each other. This practice has been around for ages, and has since served as a means to drag their competitors down. However, those who wish to run for office must also realize that speaking ill against opponents is not the right means to win the votes of the public. This is because the public has already given up with the ongoing political drama, and prefer leaders who knows how to walk the talk over those who talks and talks.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim is caught under public scrutiny after he accused the son of Lito Atienza for being a drug addict. The incident took place during the Mayoralty Debate arranged by the Rotary Club of Manila last April 22 2010. The allegation dropped by Lim angered Ali Atienza, and told the media after the debate that he is ready to press charges against the Mayor even after election 2010 is over. This event could seriously affect Lim's candidacy.

-Joel Dumayog

Lito Atienza: Why We Should Vote For Him Again

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 possess 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 as 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 look at the former mayor's countless achievements and numerous completed projects when he was still at the helm to be able to see vividly 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 too far to see how Lito Atienza acted during his stint as city mayor. We just have to look at how Manila was and the lives 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 has accomplished a lot of things than any other 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 significantly transformed and enhanced the living conditions of the city's poorest residents.Atienza pushed for the effective delivery of basic services as evident in the programs and priority projects that he started during his term as city mayor. He addressed and included 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 program has enabled public hospitals to acquire new medical equipment and medicines for improved healthcare services and to be able to provide free medicines to the city's impoverished residents.The city of Manila which has earned the distinction of being a haven to the most notorious hold-up artists and pickpockets; has experienced the best peace and order situation under his leadership. During his tenure, the city was able to record its lowest crime levels in years due to Atienza's substantial attempt in eradicating the entire city of drug traffickers and syndicates, which he believed as the main roots of all crimes in the city.

Atienza also provided public school students with free education and school. 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 prioritized for the beautification and development of the city's old and deteriorating parks and other tourist attractions.One of the most notable projects of the former mayor is the improvement of the city's bay area commonly known as the "Baywalk", which has allowed city residents, as well as local and foreign tourists to enjoy alfresco dining and listening to fine music while watching 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.

Lito Atienza And What He Has Done

Actions speak louder than words. In the case of former Manila mayor Lito Atienza he had succeeded in doing both.One of the most revered leaders of the nation's capital, the former mayor was able to back up his strong words with actions. Staying true to his words and fulfilling his promise of providing his beloved Manilenos with a city that they can truly call their own and which they will care for, Lito Atienza has done more things than any of his immediate predecessors.

One of the most accomplished mayors in Manila's rich political history Lito Atienza's mayoralty stint is highlighted by numerous completed projects and other countless achievements no other city mayor of Manila was able to achieve.No one needs to go the distance in grading Atienza's performance as the city mayor of Manila for an unprecedented three consecutive three-year term, we just have to look back at how Manila looked and the living of conditions its residents were three years ago.The Atienza administration is best described by the dramatic transformation in the city's economy, tourism, peace and order and education. Moreover, it was during Atienza's leadership when thousands of poor families were uplifted from poverty and enjoyed improved living conditions.

Being a real statesman and public servant serving selflessly for the good of many, Atienza provided almost everything what was needed by many of his impoverished city folks. It was during his mayoralty stint that the city's delivery of social services was at its best.Atienza launched pro-poor programs and priority projects which have benefited and improved the lives of thousands of impoverished Manilenos. He succeeded in addressing almost all the social needs of his people by creating programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

Atienza was able to create livelihood programs and employment opportunities for the unemployed by injecting life into the city's economy.He launched training programs and vocational courses for the out of school youth and unemployed to provide them with a decent livelihood and a stable source of income. Atienza together with other non-government organizations have provided affordable housing and land acquisition programs for the homeless, which have benefited a lot of the city's poor residents and even the middle class.

The city's healthcare services and public hospitals were also improved during his term. Atienza provided additional funds to the city's public hospitals and health centers which allowed them 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.Atienza was able to bring free medical services and medicines to far-flung areas and barangays.

Manila during Atienza's term also experienced the best peace and order situation in many years. In support of Manila's budding athletes and promising talents, Atienza created sports-culminating activities and provided free training and development programs to harness their skills and talents. In addition, Atienza has launched programs for the free access to education and school supplies of Manila's public school students. Manila's colleges and universities were also improved during his term, as part of fulfilling his promise of providing quality and affordable college education to Manilenos. Furthermore, the city's senior residents were also able to enjoy greater benefits from the former mayor's program for the senior citizens which included special services, big discounts and other freebies.

The former environment secretary also batted for the removal of the oil depot in Pandacan which he believes is a serious environmental and safety threat. Manila was also able to enjoy a major facelift as Atienza pushed forward for the beautification and enhancement of the city's old and deteriorating parks and other tourist attractions. One of the most notable projects of the former mayor is the improvement of the city's bay area commonly known as the "Baywalk", which has allowed city residents, as well as local and foreign tourists to enjoy alfresco dining and listening to fine music while watching the world-renowned Manila Bay sunset.

Atienza's unsurpassed accomplishments during his term make as the most eligible person to vote for mayor in this coming Manila elections. If he secures another three-year term in this coming Manila elections, Manila along with its residents are set to enjoy another three glorious years under the leadership of Lito Atienza.

The most eligible person to vote for mayor in this coming Manila election, Lito Atienza is one of the most accomplished mayors in Manila's rich political history. The Atienza administration is best described by the dramatic transformation in the city's economy, tourism, peace and order and education. He succeeded in addressing almost all the social needs of his people by creating programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

-Jimmy Reyes