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. The debate was a heated one, with both candidates exchanging ideas on various social issues. 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.

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. 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 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. He might have dug his grave for he forgot that the audience was a 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 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.

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. 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.

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: The Best Mayor Manila Has Had

Actions echoes louder than words. In the case of former Manila mayor Lito Atienza he had both. One of the most admired leaders of the nation's capital, the former mayor succeeded 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 resume is decorated with numerous completed projects and other countless achievements no other city mayor of Manila has done. No one has to go that far in evaluating 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 characterized by the radical 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 true statesman and public servant serving selflessly for the good of many, Atienza was able to deliver 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 created pro-poor programs and priority projects which have benefited and improved the lives of thousands of impoverished Manilenos. He was able to address almost all the social needs of his people through the creation of programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

Atienza created livelihood programs and employment opportunities for the unemployed by bringing the city's economy back into life. He provided training programs and vocational courses for the out of school youth and unemployed to give them 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 launched 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 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 batted for the removal 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.

-Jimmy Reyes

Lito Atienza And What He Has Done For The Manilenos

Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza is one of the most efficient leaders in the rich history of the nation's capital. His resume speaks of countless accomplishments and completed projects, all of which has benefited his beloved Manilenos. The Atienza administration is characterized by the radical development of the lives and welfare of Manila's poorest residents.A true statesman and a public servant, Atienza is well-regarded by the city's impoverished residents due to his pro-poor programs and priority projects.

Under his leadership as Manila mayor, Atienza has ventured his efforts on the delivery of basic social services to the poor.This is particularly apparent in the programs and priority projects that he started during his term as city mayor. Lito Atienza launched numerous flagship programs and priority projects that were all dedicated for the benefit of the poor. These projects and programs addressed almost all social aspects and needs including housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

A lot of homeless and impoverished Manilenos were given free shelters under Atienza's housing and land acquisition projects. Lito Atienza together with non-government organizations such as Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity were able to build thousands of houses in the 50-hectare Baseco area, all of which were rightfully awarded to the homeless city residents. Atienza has also started affordable housing projects for the middle class during his term.The former mayor has established the Nagtahan Housing and UN Gardens which have benefited many homeless middle class families.

To address the healthcare needs of the city residents, Atienza launched Sama sa Masa, a program which provides every barangay with free check ups, free medical services and medicines. Public city hospitals also enjoyed a bigger budget allocation for the procurement of medical equipment and medicines. During his administration, Manila's crime rates were at their lowest levels in many years.This is due to Atienza's massive effort in ridding the entire city of drug traffickers and syndicates, which he believed as the main roots of all crimes in the city.

Public school students have also enjoyed free education and school supplies as part of Atienza's program for education, which he believes is the answer to poverty. The city's universities and colleges were also improved during his administration and have benefited the city's youth with an affordable college education. Atienza also supported many budding and young athletes of the city by launching the Manila Youth Games, which has helped these young athletes in getting the necessary training and exposure to competition. Atienza also pushed for the free training of children who are talented in the fields of music and dance with the help of Manila's top dancers and singers. Atienza has lobbied for the relocation of the oil depot in Pandacan which he believes is major environment and public safety threat.During the seventies, Atienza established the Mahal Ko si Lolo, Mahal Ko si Lola movement wherein senior citizens were give special services and big discounts.

In this coming Philippine elections, Atienza will continue what he has successfully started during his administration.Atienza will continue improving the delivery of basic social services particularly to the city's poor residents.Moreover, Atienza will remain committed in serving his beloved city and the Manilenos.Atienza promised achieve his goal of providing the Manilenos with a city that they can truly call their own and which they will care for.

One of the most accomplished leaders in the rich history of the nation's capital, Atienza during his tenure as city mayor, outlined several flagship programs and priority projects that were all designed to benefit the poor. Atienza has also prioritized the delivery of basic social services to the poor. In this coming Philippine elections, Atienza plans to continue what he has successfully started during his tenure as city mayor.

-Ulysees Ong

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

Mayoralty candidate Alfredo Lim was cornered at the Polo Club Mayoral debate hosted by the Rotary Club of Manila last April 22, 2010. Various social issues were tackled by the competing candidates during the debate. 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. However, Lim's opponent, Lito Atienza doubted his authenticity due to the fact that Lim's son was arrested for drug pushing.

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. 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. Ali Atienza, who was in the audience, said to Lim that his accusations was impossible considering that he was an international athlete who complied with the strict drug testing procedures prior to competing in the taekwondo arena.

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.The mayor, humiliated by his actions, spoke no further as the moderators of the program appeased both parties. Amidst the heated situation, Lito Atienza managed to stay calm and shrug off the issue, and continued with the debate.

The debate however did not last long, but Manila mayor Alfredo Lim tried to save face until the last minute. He might have dug his grave for he forgot that the audience was a thinking crowd of 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.

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. The young Atienza also pointed out that it was really impossible for an athlete to compete if he has been found using illicit drugs, making Lim's accusations a look more like fabricated story. Even after the election, Atienza is decided to file charges against Lim to protect his reputation.

As election 2010 is just around the corner, it has been a norm for candidates to speak something negative against their competitors. This instance has been going on in our country for a long time now as a means for the candidates to come clean from their own imperfections. 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.

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 without any doubt 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 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 the distance to take a glimpse at how Lito Atienza served during his tenure 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. Atineza's pro-poor programs and priority projects have earned him the recognition as 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 lobbied for the efficient delivery of basic services as apparent in the programs and priority projects that he started during his term as city mayor.He was successful in addressing almost 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 increased the budget and resources of 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 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 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 leadership has started the Manila Youth games, which has been very helpful 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 tenure that the city's navigation and travel were improved due to the drastic improvements made in the city's infrastructure.

No one is more eligible to hold the position as city mayor than former mayor Lito Atienza. The former Manila mayor is the most accomplished and experienced among other bets in this coming election 2010. His achievements and countless completed projects and programs are testimonies to his being a true statesman and a dedicated public servant serving selflessly for the good of many people.

-Joel Dumayog

Lito Atienza And What He Has Done

Actions speak louder than words. In the case of former Manila mayor Lito Atienza he had both. One of the most admired leaders of the nation's capital, the former mayor succeeded 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 accomplished 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 has to go that far in evaluating 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 characterized by the dramatic improvements 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 was able to address almost all the social needs of his people through the creation of programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

Atienza created livelihood programs and employment opportunities for the unemployed by bringing the city's economy back into life. He provided training programs and vocational courses for the out of school youth and unemployed to give them a decent livelihood and a stable source of income.Atienza together with other non-government organizations have launched affordable housing and land acquisition projects for the homeless, which were able to benefit many of the city's poor residents and even the middle class.

The city's healthcare services and public hospitals were also enhanced during his administration. 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 has provided free medical services and medicines to far-flung areas and barangays.

Manila under Atienza's leadership has had the best peace and order situation in many years. In support of Manila's budding athletes and promising talents, Atienza launched 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 refurbished during his leadership, as part of his efforts in 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 outstanding 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 unrivaled accomplishments during his term make him as the best person to vote for mayor in this coming Manila elections. If he wins another three-year mandate in this coming Manila elections, Manila along with its residents are set to enjoy another three glorious years under the leadership of Lito Atienza.

Lito Atienza is the best person to vote for mayor in this coming Manila election. Atienza is one of the most accomplished mayors in Manila's rich political history and has done more things than any of his predecessors. 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

Vote Lito Atienza: Why Should We Vote For Him

Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza is hoping for another three-year mandate as city mayor of the nation's capital in a courageous effort to continue his commitment in serving his beloved city and the Manilenos. Atienza, one of the most admired leaders of the city plans to continue his flagship programs and priority projects which he was able to successfully launch during his term.If all things turn out well and if the majority of the Manilenos are wise enough to Vote Lito Atienza, the former mayor has plans to continue pushing for the improvement and effective delivery of basic social services to the residents of the city.Moreover, Atienza plans on continuing his crusade against poverty and has promised to invest all of his efforts in uplifting and developing the lives of the city's impoverished residents.

If Manila residents would Vote Lito Atienza and would give him a fresh three-year mandate, Atienza will launch his platform billed as "Buhayin Nating Muli Ang Maynila" which is centered on continuing what he has started during his leadership.In light of this, Atienza has prepared numerous programs and priority projects, all of which are dedicated for addressing all the basic social needs of the city and its residents. Atienza plans to sustain his livelihood programs and effective delivery of basic social services which has benefited much of the city's impoverished residents during his tenure as city mayor.

To achieve his goal of uplifting the living conditions of the city's poorest residents, Atienza will be launching programs that would stimulate the city's once-vibrant economy.Atienza plans to attract investors into the city by enhancing the city's infrastructure and peace and order situation.In this way, economic activity in the city will be put back into life, which can result into job creation for the city's unemployed residents. Livelihood programs and skills trainings will also be continued to serve the city's unemployed and out of school youth to provide them with a decent livelihood and source of income. Moreover, Atienza also plans on creating employment opportunities for the city's senior citizens who would still want to work.

Apart from providing jobs and employment opportunities, Atienza has also vowed to continue addressing the needs of the residents by including almost all social aspects in his platform. Atienza will launch and continue programs and projects that will include a wide array of social areas including programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, culture and arts, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens. If the Manilenos will Vote Lito Atienza, the benefits and the services they were able to enjoy during Atienza's tenure will be continued and sustained for good.

If granted another three-year term as city mayor, Atienza hopes to continue providing affordable housing programs and land acquisition programs both for the homeless impoverished residents and even to the middle class.As part of his efforts in improving the city's healthcare services, Atienza plans to enrich the coffers of the city's public hospitals and health centers. This will enable hospitals to acquire new medical equipment and medicines to be able to provide the Manilenos with quality healthcare and free medicines. Healthcare services will be delivered to every barangay via the "Sama sa Masa", a priority project of Atienza where in doctors conduct free medicines and checkups to every barangay of the city. Atienza will also continue to provide free education and school supplies to the city's public school students. In addition, as part of his efforts in providing quality and affordable college education, Manila's colleges and universities will also be enhanced. Livelihood programs and skills trainings like vocational courses will also be offered to Manila's unemployed and out of school youth.

Atienza plans on extending support to Manila's budding athletes and talents through the promotion of sports-culminating activities and free training and development programs.The city's peace and order situation will also be enhanced and perpetrators of crime and big time drug or crime syndicates will be put into justice.As a former environment czar, Atienza plans to continue pushing for the relocation of the oil depot in Pandacan, which he deem as a serious environmental and safety threat to the people residing in the area. Furthermore, Atienza is planning to move forward with his beautification projects to put Manila back into the tourists' maps and top destinations in the country.Atienza has vowed to transform and beautify the city's old and deteriorating parks and tourist attractions, just like what he did in Manila's bay area or commonly known as the baywalk.

Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza is seeking another three year mandate to continue his commitment in uplifting the lives of the city's impoverished residents. If Manila residents Vote Lito Atienza, he will continue improve the local government's delivery of basic services and creating livelihood and employment opportunities which he views as the solutions to the poverty incidence in the city. Atienza has vowed to continue his beautification projects just like what he did in he now infamous baywalk

-Francis Go