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

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.

Lito Atienza: The Best Mayor Manila Has Had

Actions echoes louder than words. In the case of former Manila mayor Lito Atienza he was able to do both. One of the well-loved leaders of the nation's capital, the former mayor was successful in backing 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 profile as city mayor is decorated with numerous completed projects and other countless achievements no other city mayor of Manila has accomplished. No one has to go too far in assessing 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 stint when thousands of poor families were removed from poverty and benefited from 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 also under his leadership 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 addressed almost all the social needs of his people and has created programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

Atienza provided livelihood programs and employment opportunities for the unemployed by reviving 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 enhanced under his leadership.Atienza added more funds for 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 has provided 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 promoted sports-culminating activities and 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 enhanced during his term, as part of his efforts in providing quality and affordable college education to Manilenos. Furthermore, the city's senior residents were also provided with greater benefits under the former mayor's program for the senior citizens which included special services, big discounts and other freebies.

The former environment secretary also fought for the relocation of the oil depot in Pandacan which he believes is a serious environmental and safety threat. Manila also benefited from a major facelift as Atienza prioritized 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 unparalleled accomplishments during his leadership make him as the best person to vote for mayor in this coming Manila elections.If he is able to secure 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.

Comebacking Manila Mayor Lito Atienza Endorsed by Ronald Lumbao

Peoples Movement Against Poverty (PMAP) chairman Ronald Lumbao endorsed the candidacy of comebacking Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and the rest of the candidates of “Buhayin ang Maynila” ticket during a kick-off rally in Sampaloc Manila the other night.

Lumbao expressed confidence in the competence of Atienza and his team, saying they are very much capable of improving the quality of life of the Manilans, especially the poor residents.

He stressed that he chose to support the return of the former Environment secretary to the mayoralty of the city of Manila because they share the same vision for the poor.

Lumbao added that it is Atienza, not Mayor Alfredo Lim, who has the genuine heart for the poor.

He said Lim had failed to make good his promises during the 2007 elections that he would initiate programs that would alleviate the poor from poverty.

"Mayor Lim is a liar. When he ran in 2007, he promised Manilans that he would provide them with jobs, businesses and other livelihood opportunities. But none of those promises were fulfilled. In three years, he has done nothing to help his constituents, especially the impoverished families," he said.

PMAP is one of the biggest groups which has been fighting to improve the plight of the poor. It has also endorsed the candidacy of comebacking President Joseph Estrada.

“Of all presidents, it was only during the administration of former President Estrada that the poor were truly prioritized. We want him to become president again so that he can continue his programs for the masses,” he said.

Apart from Lumbao, Estrada also repeatedly expressed disgust over Lim's failure to fulfill his commitment with the people of Manila.

Estrada said Lim is a liar who did not honor his word and broke his promises to the city residents soon after he won the 2007 elections.