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 was a heated one, with both candidates exchanging ideas on various social issues. 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. Yet, his opponent Lito Atienza was in doubt of Lim's statements due to the involvement of the mayor's son in 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, admitted that his son was busted by the PDEA in 2008, but denied helping his son. 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.
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 then went on the stage and lectured Alfredo Lim about his track record as a national athlete.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. As hard as he might have tried though, Lim have already left an impression toward the thinking crowd of 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 sad to see how a low and unintelligent debate like this can go. 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 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 nearing, it is normal to hear candidates speaking ill against their competitors. This practice has been around for ages, and has since served as a means to drag their competitors down. However, for the candidates, they must also realize that by doing this they are also tarnishing their own reputation in the process. 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.
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.
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, admitted that his son was busted by the PDEA in 2008, but denied helping his son. 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.
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 then went on the stage and lectured Alfredo Lim about his track record as a national athlete.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. As hard as he might have tried though, Lim have already left an impression toward the thinking crowd of 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 sad to see how a low and unintelligent debate like this can go. 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 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 nearing, it is normal to hear candidates speaking ill against their competitors. This practice has been around for ages, and has since served as a means to drag their competitors down. However, for the candidates, they must also realize that by doing this they are also tarnishing their own reputation in the process. 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.
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.
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