PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
June 22, 2010

LIM DECLARES JUNE 24 NON WORKING DAY IN MANILA

Malacanang issued Proclamation No. 2089 declaring Thursday, June 24,2010, as a special (non working) day in Manila in line with the celebration of the City’s 439th Foundation Day anniversary.

The Proclamation was signed by President Arroyo and released by Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
June 21, 2010
(Date Received: 06/22/2010)

LIM AWARDS ULIRANG AMA SWEEPER

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim gave recognition to some exemplary employees of the city's Department of Public Services (DPS) headed by Col. Carlos Baltazar (Ret), that included an outstanding street sweeper. This recognition is part of the weeklong celebration of the 439th Araw ng Maynila and falls a day after the world celebrated Father's Day. The awarding was held at the Freedom Triangle in front of City Hall during the weekly flag raising ceremony Monday morning.

The DPS, host department of the flag raising ceremony, made sure to award seven of its employees who showed exemplary dedication to the city by giving recognition and financial incentives.

Awarded were Danilo Umali, a street sweeper assigned at the 5th district, as the “Ulirang Ama” together with his wife, Nida and his triplets Danel, Dana and Danice. Danilo and his wife went through tough times raising nine children. After giving birth to a triplet years ago, they had to seek assistance from different institutions for the nutritional and health needs of their children. Danilo was also recognized for being hard working and dedicated and his only means of providing for his family is his salary from the city.

Aside from Danilo, six sweepers were also given recognition and financial incentives for being the best in each district. District 1- Lourdes Costelo, District 2 – Ronaldo Bondoc, District 3- Joel Culala, District 4 – Rey Buenavente, District 5 – Cipriano Baluyot and District 6 - Omar Somagomba.

Mayor Lim and Baltazar also gave special recognition to the Task Force Palero (Dampot Pukol Salo) assigned in the 1st District for being sincere with their job though they are exposed to and are at high risk of catching diseases from the garbage.

Mayor Lim in the end greeted all father-employees of the city saying he hoped they all celebrated with their families.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
June 22, 2010
(Date Received: 06/22/2010)

LIM DISTRIBUTES LOTS FOR THE CITY'S LANDLESS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning led in the distribution of certificates of Lot Awards (CLAs)  under the Land for the Landless program to 71 qualified family beneficiaries held at Bulwagang Villegas   in line with the weeklong celebration of 439th Araw ng Maynila.

The recipients of lot awards were 65 families from Tondo, four from Sampaloc, one from Malate and one from Paco, Manila .

With this new set of lot awardees, Lim said the total beneficiaries of the program has reached 1,220 families since he assumed stewardship of Manila City in July 2007. This is 18.42 percent of the total 6,623 lot awards given since 1967. Moreover, the awarding ceremony is the 9 th since Mayor Lim returned since 2007.

Assisting the Mayor were: Chief of Staff Ricardo De Guzman, City Legal Officer Atty. Renato De La Cruz, and Urban Settlements Office OIC Victoria Clavel.   

Lim congratulated them as he said: "Ito ang unang bahagi para maisakatuparan ninyo ang inyong titulo, siniguro namin ang mga recipient na siyang karapat dapat at mga nakatira doon. Sana lamang ay bayaran ninyo ang minimal na ibinabayad ninyo para manaig ang inyong titulo. Ako ay nagpapasalamat sa inyong muling pagtitiwala sa amin noong nakaraang eleksyon, umasa po kayo na amin pang pagiibayuhin at pagsisikapan na kayo ay paglingkuran."

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
June 22, 2010
(Date Received: 06/22/2010)

LIM AWARDS OUTSTANDING CITY EMPLOYEES FOR 2010

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led Monday city government officials in awarding special mayor's award and city service loyalty awards for 40 years of service to the 2010 Outstanding city employees in line with the weeklong observance of the 439 th Araw ng Maynila   held at the Bulwagang Villegas.

The awardees for Outstanding City Employees are: Marcelo Solis and Perpetua Macapagal of Public Recreation Bureau, Reynaldo Rosales, Department of Social Welfare, Donald Santos and Dr. Bernarda Anit of Manila Health Department.

The special mayor’s award went to  P/Supt. Redencion Caimbon of City Civil Registry Office.

Awarded with City Service Loyalty for serving 40 years or more were: Rosauro Robles, City General Services Office;  Denise Alejo, Department of Assesment;  Filadelpa Paat, Department of Social Welfare;  Tomas Misalucha, Division of City Schools;  Esmeralda Paranada, EARIST;  Adelina Acosta, Office of the Sheriff;  Genara Buenavista, City Treasurers Office;  Dolores Ramirez, Public Recreations Bureau;  Mercedita Banez and Cesar Caballa Jr. of Ospital ng Maynila;  Esperanza Bilog of Manila City Library;  Ruperto Desierto, Rodolfo Guevarra, Millan Orosco, Alfredo Retaga, Alfredo Quitoriano and Narciso Sumaway of City Engineer’s Office.

In the working committee that undertook the search for awardees were: City Administrator Jesus Mari Marzan as chairman;  City Personnel Officer Assumption Ingrid Reyes, vice chairperson;  City Health Officer, Dr. Marie Lorraine Sanchez and Manila Department of Social Welfare chief Jay Dela Fuente as members.  

Within the departments, outstanding employees who did not qualify for the Outstanding City Employee of the Year or the Special Mayor's Award, but gave exemplary service nonetheless, were given Special Departmental Recognition Award. This award is given by the city through the departments and offices concerned.

The criteria used in picking the outstanding city employee of the year were: performance, responsibility and initiative, integrity and moral uprightness, loyalty, efficiency and effectiveness, industry, courtesy, good manners and right conduct and punctuality and regularity.

For the special mayor's award, the criteria used were: performance, noteworthiness, impact of achievement, reliability and effectiveness and economy of operation .   

Mayor Lim gave each of the awardees plaques of appreciation and cash gifts.

He then said: "Congratulations to the awardees for a job well done as he exhorted other city employees to emulate their example in dedication to work and devotion to their jobs. Continue to serve fully with a smile to all the people who come here," he added.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
June 21, 2010
(Date Received: 06/22/2010)

CITY TO HONOR OUTSTANDING ARTISTS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim will lead city officials on Wednesday in honoring the achievers in “Sining at Kalinangan” as part of the city’s weeklong observance of the 439th Araw ng Maynila. The awarding will be held at the Bulwagang Villegas at City Hall. 

This year’s Sining at Kalinangan  awardees are: Victor Emmanuel Carmelo Nadera Jr., panitikan  (literature), Jose Datuin and Ferdinand Cacnio, eskultura (sculpture) Justin “Tiny” Nuyda, pintura (painting), Lemuel de la Cruz, musika (music), Brillante  Ma. Mendoza, pelikula (movies), Shirley Halili-Cruz, sayaw (dance), Rosario Encarnacion-Tan, arkitektura (architecture), Pablo Tariman, Makabagong Pamamaraan, Dr. Jaime Veneracion, Tanging Parangal (English) , Dr. Serafin Quiason, Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas, and Dr. Virgilio Almario, Diwa ng Lahi. 

The committee on Sining at Kalinangan is composed of :Gemma Cruz Araneta, chairman; Virgilio Aviado, a Patnubay Awardee for 2009 for Visual Arts, co chair; Ana Maria Harper, administrator of Intramuros Administration, Atty. Sofia Arboladura, director of the Manila Tourism and Cultural Affairs Bureau and Bae Bayolan Tamano Marohambsar, consultant of the Mayor for Muslim Affairs as members.

Mayor Lim will give tribute to these outstanding men and women who have given their talents and selfless service to uplift the lives of their countrymen. The annual Diwa ng Lahi awards was stated in early sixties by the late Mayor Villegas.  

The Gawad Antonio Villegas awards began the tradition of honoring the men and women who have shown exemplary achievements and dedication in the arts and tradition including the establishment of programs that promote art and culture and the Manila Film Festival, a venue by which poor Manileños can watch movies for free.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
June 20, 2010
(Date Received: 06/22/2010)

CITY OFFICIALS MAKE A FERRY CRUISE AT THE PASIG RIVER

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led city officials and councilors in a 30- minute special tour Sunday of the Pasig River from Intramuros to Sta. Ana station on board a fully air- conditioned ferry boat, a special tour project organized by the Manila Historical and Heritage Commission during the 439th Araw ng Maynila celebration. The tour guide was Architect Manuel Noche of University of Sto. Tomas (UST).

The first destination was from Plaza Mexico in Intramuros (back of the Bureau of Immigration at Muelle del Rio) to Sta. Ana ferry station, where the city officials went to the city's oldest cultural treasure, the Camarin of the Sta. Ana in District 6.

The Sta. Ana church’s main attraction is the Camarin de la Virjen, a Marian room and prayer station at the back of the main altar that is open to devotees on Saturdays. The Camarin, a church within a church, was constructed in 1720. It represents the highest plateau of Marian chapel art in the country. On the ceiling are eleven large mural paintings on wood depicting scenes from the life of Mary and Jesus, said to be the oldest paintings in the country.

After 15 minutes, the mayor with the city officials boarded the same ferry boat again and went to the Escolta ferry station for the visit to the “Dagangan sa Escolta” on Muelle del Banco Nacional where Muslim traders showcase their native arts and crafts.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
June 18, 2010
(Date Received: 06/22/2010)

LIM AWARDS 2010 OUTSTANDING JUDGES AND PROSECUTORS

  Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led Friday city government officials in awarding the 2010 Outstanding Judges and Prosecutors in line with the weeklong observance of the 439 th Araw ng Maynila   held at the Bulwagang Villegas.

The awardees for outstanding Regional Trial Court judges were: Aida Layug, Branch 46, Marivic Umali, Branch 20, Reynaldo Alhambra, Branch 53, Thelma Bunyi-Medina, Branch 32 and Judge Virgilio Alameda, Branch 10.

For Outstanding Metropolitan Trial Court judges, the awardees were: Felicitas Cacanindin, Branch 19, Crispin Bravo, Branch 16, Juan Bermejo, Branch 3, Joel Lucasan, Branch 27 and Emily Gito, Branch 20. 

For Outstanding Prosecutors were lawyers:  Yvonne Corpuz, Exequiel Sison, Elseray Faith Noro, Venus De Vera Marzan, and Ferrer Co.

The Mayor exhorted them to keep on serving the less fortunate Manilans who look up to you for that elusive justice.

He reminded them of his guiding principle of "the law applies to all, otherwise none at all, walang malakas, walang mahina, walang mayaman, walang mahirap, walang marunong, walang mangmang. Lahat ng kahirapan tatanggapin nila huwag na huwag lamang sana sila ipakulong na wala naman sila ginawang kasalanan," he said.

Lim congratulated all the awardees for outdoing themselves in performing their respective duties as magistrates.

In celebrating this 439 th foundation of the City of Manila, may this momentous occasion serve to further strengthen our vow as independent but interdependent public servants mutually desiring and acting to see to it that law is upheld and justice is dispensed within the city in fulfillment of our policy the law applies to all otherwise none at all,” he stressed.

He asked them to continue pursuing greater heights of the judicial firmament “because now the City of Manila expects nothing less, but even more, from you."

He praised former Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno saying ”Sinuwerte ako sa aking panunungkulan last June 30,2007 dahil si Chief Justice Reynato Puno ang nagpasumpa sa akin.” 

Puno thanked the Mayor for continuing to recognize the outstanding judges and prosecutors.

He said that the Justice on Wheels program was started in Manila under Mayor Lim because he was the first to give an office space for court employees through the Philippine Association of Court Employees Office in Manila City Hall

Lim also gave plaques of appreciation to the members of the awarding committee that included: retired Chief Justice Puno, chairman; retired Justice Artemio Tuquero, vice chairman and the members retired Justice Justo Torres, RTC Executive Judge Amor Reyes, Judge Jaime Santiago, City Prosecutor Jhosep Lopez and City Legal officer Atty. Renato De La Cruz.  

0

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
June 18, 2010
(Date Received: 06/22/2010)

MANILA OPENS NEW LYING-IN CLINIC IN BASECO

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim announced the inauguration of the newest health center and lying-in clinic in Baseco on June 23 as part of the weeklong celebration of 439 th Araw ng Maynila.

The announcement was made during the 13 th founding anniversary of Manila Health Department Medical Association headed by City Health Officer Dr Marie Lorraine Sanchez Thursday afternoon.

According to Sanchez, the clinic is being proposed to be named after the late president Corazon C. Aquino and will be located near the President Aquino High School .

Mayor Lim also congratulated Assistant City Health Officer Dr. Benjamin Yson and his team for the Health on Wheels services where a lot of positive feedbacks reached his office. 

“Maraming magagandang feedback akong natatanggap tungkol sa Health on Wheels,” Lim said.

But he also reminded the doctors to continuously render health assistance to the needy.  “Wag nyo lang kalilimutan ang pagbibigay ng health assistance sa mga taong nagpupunta sa mga health centers”, Lim added.

And he urged the doctors to render service with a smile and enthusiasm to the constituents.  “Ipagpatuloy nyo lang ang paglilingkod sa bayan”.  Lim said.

Mayor Lim led the awarding of Certificate of Recognition for the eight employees who served more than 25 years.  They were Drs Milagros Salatandre, Roselyn Dumayas, Gene Rivamonte, Rafael Manicad, Judy Gargantiel, Potenciano Hernandez, Clarita Cruz and Sylvia Peralta.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
June 18, 2010
(Date Received: 06/22/2010)

LIM URGES HOLDING OF PAROLE/PROBATION SEMINARS IN ALL CITY BARANGAYS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim has asked the Parole and Probation Administration, an attached agency of the Department of Justice, to conduct parole and probation seminars in all of the city's barangays to ensure swift and better dispensation of justice and help law offenders get back their normal lives sooner.

The PPA provides a less costly alternative to imprisonment of offenders who are likely to respond to individualized community- based treatment programs.

Its mission is to rehabilitate probationers, parolees and pardonees and promote their development as integral person by utilizing innovative interventions and techniques which respect the dignity and divine destiny of every human being.

PPA Regional Director Rodolfo Pascua said his group is holding trainings in Manila to recruit more volunteers.

"For now we are handling more than 60,000 clients. The training program is the agency’s use of Volunteer Probation Aides (VPA’s) to make it more effective.

The VPA program urges the community to get involved and  have a direct hand in rehabilitating an offender. There are now 10,000 volunteers in the country.

The trainings and seminars will be PPA volunteers who will talk to the people on how to deal with the offenders so that next time they will not commit such violations, thereby lessening crimes in the process.

In Manila, those sentenced to less than six years for robbery/holdup account for 80 percent of offenders.

Mayor Lim said he will support this training program.

"You can conduct seminars/trainings in barangays. In Manila we have six districts, you can coordinate with us through the Barangay Bureau under Atty. Annalyn Buan.   

Also present in the call to Mayor Lim by PPA was City Legal Officer Atty. Renato de la Cruz, Angelito Ilano, Manila Parole and PPA  members in seven regions.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
June 16, 2010
(Date Received: 06/16/2010)

LIM, ISKO LEAD MANILA'S 439TH ANNIVERSARY

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso will lead city officials and employees in the weeklong observance of the 439th Araw ng Maynila.

The 2010 Araw ng Maynila is a 2-in-1 celebration of the 439th anniversary and the Cabildo on City Council founded by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.

The Araw ng Maynila 2010 activities will kick off with a thanksgiving mass at the Bonifacio Shrine at 7a.m. to be followed by the successive laying of wreaths at the Bonifacio Shrine, Rajah Sulayman at Plaza Rajah Sulayman in Malate at 8:30 a.m. and at the tomb of Miguel lopez de Legaspi at the San Agustin Church in Intramuros and a free entrance at Manila Zoo for the whole day.

Lim will host a breakfast at the Bulwagang Villegas with department heads and city councilors.

The outstanding Manilans for the year who will be feted at Manila Hotel are: President elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III for public service (he will also keynote the event); Dr. Lydia Echauz, president of FEU, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, Bro. Armin Luistro of De La Salle University, Rev. Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, UST rector, Dr.Lucio Tan, 2000 outstanding Manilan, Ricky Razon, 1997 outstanding Manilan, Justice Antonio Carpio, Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon  Sr. a 1994 outstanding Manilan, Justice Edilberto Sandoval and Manolo Lopez.

The other activities for the week-long celebration are MASCO aerobics at Bonifacio Shrine and courtesy call of the Parole Board at Bulwagang Villegas on June 17, Awarding of Outstanding MTC/RTC judges and prosecutors on June 18, wreath laying at Rizal monument on June 19, medical mission from District 1 to 6, Pasig River Cruise on June 20, “Sulyap sa Maynila” exhibit opening at Rodriguez Hall, Kalilang at Plaza Rajah Sulayman, Awarding City Employees at Bulwagang Villegas, Historic Manila Bay Exhibit Opening on June 21, Awarding of Lots, Outstanding Barangays, Patnubay Awards at Bulwagang Villegas on June 22, City Council celebrations at Session Hall Lobby, Awarding Outstanding Taxpayers and Business Establishments at Bulwagang Villegas and Metropolitan Theater opening and cultural property plaque on June 23.    

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
June 12, 2010
(Date Received: 06/16/2010)

DOLE, CITY OF MANILA RELEASE LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE TO POOR

The City of Manila and the Department of Labor and Employment- Manila released Friday livelihood and educational assistance, including Negosyo sa Kariton (Negokart) to indigent residents of the city so they could improve their lives through business and livelihood.

At the awarding ceremony held at Palma Hall of the City College of Manila, the educational assistance, capital assistant and Negokart to be given to the recipients will carry no interest.

This is a project of the City of Manila under the Department of Social Welfare OIC Jay de la Fuente. The recipient of capital assistance are 133 persons from the six district of Manila.

Educational assistance is given to indigent students of the city to purchase their school supplies for the opening of the classes. The recipients are 100 students from the six district of Manila.

The NegoKart is a being implemented  by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in coordination with the City of Manila.

In the city 50 indigent recipients and some members of the  Lakas ng Inang Manileno received NegoKarts in the formal turn-over. DOLE-Manila Field Office Director Enrique Lalus of DOLE turnover the check to the city government amounting P585,000.

Basically, the NegoKart project provides vendors with services to help them augment and diversify their products and services and market the same to more buyers or customers.

Lalus promised to help and give DOLE's full support for the city, for which Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim thanked the DOLE for supporting his pro poor initiatives.

“Sa hirap ng buhay ngayon, ang City of Manila ay nagpapautang since 2007 at ibabalik sa amin iyan ng walang interes, para dun sa mga maganda magbayad pwede kayo hanggang P2,000 to P3,000.

"Ang pwedeng ipautang sa inyo. Kapag sinabing hanapbuhay, pang mahabang panahon, iyan ay sa kapakinabangan ninyo din," Lim said.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
June 11, 2010
(Date Received: 06/11/2010)

MANILA CELEBRATES 112TH PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim will lead city officials in celebrating the 112th Independence Day celebration tomorrow, June 12, Saturday at the Pambansang Bantayog ni Dr. Jose P. Rizal ( Rizal Monument) in Luneta.

The Mayor will raise the Philippine flag at 7 a.m. along the city officials and employees at the Museleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion at the Manila North Cemetery.

The theme for this year’s Independence Day celebration is “KALAYAAN, Tagumpay Ng Bayan”.

In 2009, the Mayor honored the heroes and veterans at the North Cemetery.

The Mayor urged all Filipinos to join the celebration as we have once again succeeded in exercising our freedom and democracy during the successful May 10, 2010 first automated elections.

A whole-day jobs fair will be held at the Lagoon area of the Rizal Park and in the afternoon, President Arroyo will deliver her last Kalayaan address to the nation to be followed by a civic military parade of 10 floats representing her 10-point agenda and the 11 th float called Inang Bayan which will feature the successful Filipino achievers here and abroad.

So as not to inconvenience the public and the motorist, the City of Manila has released its rerouting plan for major roads leading to the Independence Day rites on Saturday, June 12, at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta.

Traffic will be rerouted from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the entire stretch of Roxas Boulevard north and southbound lanes from Katigbak to TM Kalaw.

All vehicles travelling southward from Delpan Bridge Pier Zone shall turn left at P. Burgos right Ma. Orosa to their destination.

All vehicles travelling northward along Roxas Boulevard shall turn right at TM Kalaw to their destination.

Vehicles coming from McArthur, Jones and Quezon Bridges shall take the road leading to Round Table, Ma. Orosa to their destination.

All cargo trucks traveling Osmeña Highway shall turn to President Quirino Avenue, straight to Nagtahan, AH Lacson, Yuseco Street crossing Jose Abad Santos straight to Raxabago, Capulong to their destinations and vice versa.

Routes to be closed during the civic military parade from 12 noon onwards are: the entire stretch of Roxas Blvd. and Bonifacio Drive north and southbound from Anda Circle to President Quirino; the entire stretch of P. Burgos east and west bound from Roxas Blvd. to Ma. Orosa; the entire stretch of TM Kalaw east and west bound from Roxas Blvd. to MH del Pilar; Finance Road to Taft Avenue; Lagusnilad and P. Burgos.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
June 10, 2010
(Date Received: 06/11/2010)

LIM GETS DONATION OF FLAGS FROM CFBCI

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim received on Thursday 100 pieces of Philippine flags from the Chinese-Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI) headed by its president Lino Uy during their courtesy call at the Bulwagang Villegas Thursday morning.

Last month, the city of Manila observed the ceremonial cremation of flags during the National Flag Day as a final honor to the old flags and the ashes were stored in an urn that was buried under ground. A marker was also placed above the burial ground for the flags.

About 400 damaged flags were collected from the different barangay halls, plazas and police outposts in the city.

Mayor Lim said the donation is timely as the country celebrates this Saturday the 112 th Independence Day. The donated flags will be turned over to the different city schools.

Mayor Lim also stressed that the flag is a concrete symbol of the country’s freedom and democracy.

Joining the CFBCI President in the ceremonial donation were CFBCI Vice-President lao Glok Chiao, Immediate past President Siy yap Chua and Director Stephen Sia.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
June 8, 2010
(Date Received: 06/08/2010)

LIM INSPECTS CCM ANNEX IN ESCOLTA

Following a complaint of a concerned student who wrote him about the story state of the City College of Manila annex building in Escolta, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim took with him key officials of the city to conduct an ocular inspection of the toilets and other facilities to ensure that they are kept in tip top shape for a better learning environment to students.

Lim brought with him Secretary to the Mayor, Atty. Rafaelito Garayblas, Chief of Staff Ricardo de Guzman, City Engineer Armando Andres, City Electricin Engr. Ernesto Cuyugan, City Health Officer, Dr. Marie Lorraine Sanchez and CCM's Dean of Business Administration Elena Cernias.

A concerned student wrote the Mayor and submitted photos of the dilapidated and unhygienic state of the comfort rooms, which prompted the Mayor to immediately go to the site himself right after the department heads and chiefs of offices (DEHECHO) meeting Monday morning.

In a dialogue that followed the inspection, Lim invited all the female students to Dean Cernias' office and ordered them to use, for the meantime, the toilet of the dean, for emergency purposes, until such time that restoration work is completed within two weeks. He also asked his Secretary, Garayblas, concurrent president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, to check the conditions of all the toilets in the university.

This CCM building in Escolta, originally belonging to the Philippine National Bank, was built in 1995 and when the city took over it was converted into a school for poor but average students. The Mayor plans to rehabilitate the facilities of the school,  but the first priority must be the comfort rooms. 

During his meeting with the students, Lim recalled some success stories of former students who graduated at City College of Manila such as one who graduated cum laude in Criminology and placed 9th in the board. Another is lady who now works in a multinational company and tied the knot with a Singaporean businessman. Now she is supporting her parents and younger siblings in their studies. 

The lesson here is to study, study and study so that you will achieve your lofty goals in life. As the saying goes success comes with perseverance and hard work. "Kaya lahat kayo pagbutihan ninyo ang pag-aaral, there is time for everything. Your time now is to study hard," he said.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
June 3,2010
(Date Received: 06/08/2010)

TAIWAN OFFICIAL CONGRATULATES MAYOR LIM

Even before Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim could take his oath of office on June 30, as the newly-reelected Mayor, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Chief Donald C. T. Lee paid him a visit to congratulate last June 1 on his recent poll victory.

But Lee also wanted the Mayor to extend his congratulations to presidential front runner, Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino Jr. for leading the race for the highest position in the country.

Lee expressed the hope of the TECO delegates to visit the incoming president, to be arranged by Mayor Lim.

The Mayor thanked Lee for all the support TECO and the Taiwan Association of the Philippines Inc. senior consultant Gen John Chen gave to the city and the Filipino people as he looks forward to more areas of cooperation with TECO.

The TECO official also congratulated the country for its successful conduct of the first automated election last May 10, 2010.

Taiwan and the Philippines are neighbors and share the same values and beliefs in freedom, democracy and human rights.

Given the fact that there had been a wide range of cooperation in many fields, especially in humanitarian assistance, education, trade, labor, and agriculture, they have been close partners in the Asian region.

" We look forward to working with the new administration and enhancing the already strong ties between our peoples. As the Philippines is heading for the next milestone of prosperity and national development, Taiwan is willing to work together with the Philippines," Lee said.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
April 15, 2010
(Date Received: 04/16/2010)

LIM TELLS SKILLS GRADUATE: START YOUR BUSINESS

In addressing the 7th commencement exercises of the Ladderized Program of the City College of Manila, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim asked the 632 graduates to start your own business ventures.

Lim told the graduates that they could apply for soft loans with the Manila Department of Social Welfare for their start-up capital, which ranges from P1,000 to P5,000 per borrower, depending on the business to be put up.

The graduation rites, held at the CCM Palma Hall Wednesday, were for those who finished courses accredited with the Technical Education Skills Development Authority like massage therapy, cooking and food processing, baking, hotel and restaurant services, hairdressing, computer hardware, installation and garment trade.

“Use your new skills now in your new business ventures. Edukasyon ang susi ng inyong pagbabagong buhay,” the Mayor said.

He said they could apply for the loans to buy the necessary equipment/tools to start their business and these loans are also interest-free.

Never forget that your new skills will bring you a long way to your path of success," Lim said.

Also present during the graduation were: Justice Artemio Tuquero, UDM president, Angelina Carreon, TESDA Manila Director, Alma Solancho, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Virginia Berganio, dean College of Industrial Technology.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
April 13, 2010
(Date Received: 04/16/2010)

LIM LIGHTS UP PANADEROS ST. IN STA ANA

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim took a breather from his campaign to lead the ceremonial lighting Monday evening of the New Panaderos Street in Sta. Ana Manila along with his running mate Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and barangay 891 Chairman Rosendo Parel.

A total of 123 lamp posts were installed on over one kilometer stretch of sidewalk from Sta. Ana Church to Lambingan Bridge.

The new lighting project gave emphasis to the on-going construction of the 10-storey Sta. Ana Hospital now visible to passersby even during nighttime.

Lim invited all the residents of Sta. Ana to the soft opening of the hospital with five more floors are still to be completed.

Lim said, however, the hospital can now start accommodating the residents even if five more floors are still to be built. Easily, 500 doctors’ nurses and hospital personnel are now ready to serve the public.

The hospital will be equipped with new, modern and sophisticated hospital equipment with the acquisition of a Computerized Tomography Scan (CT Scan) for the benefit of the 4th, 5th and 6th district of the city.

The hospital reserves a ward for barangay officials, police officers, fire marshals and teachers.

The project 10storey hospital with centralized air-conditioning and its medical equipment are the services that Mayor Lim wants to provide Manilans so they could enjoy what the rich enjoy in private hospitals.

City officials present were City Engineer Armando Andres, City Electrician Ernesto Cuyugan, Manila Barangay Bureau Director Atty. Analyn Buan, Veterinary Inspection’s Board OIC Sonia Salmos, City Registrar Ma. Josefa Encarnation Ocampo and Acting Manila Fire Marshall Felixberto Abrenica.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
April 13, 2010
(Date Received: 04/16/2010)

LIM GETS A MOBILE COMPUTER SCHOOL FOR MANILA

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim received Monday a mobile computer school called Computer Van Aralan [CVA], a 5-foot container van converted into a mobile computer classroom.

The Van Aralan Education on-wheels program was launched in 2004 but the first concrete module of this mobile computer classroom materialized only with the donation of this unit by the Se Jo Tong and Lim Association Monday.

The classroom-on-wheels, dubbed Computer Van-Aralan (CVA) is equipped with 15 computers and will offer free courses in basic computer operation to out of school youth and those who are computer illiterate.

AiHu Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to educate out-of-school youth and adults by sharing skills in computers applications, troubleshooting, and hardware maintenance, spearheaded the donation.

AiHu in Mandarin means love and care,

AiHu partnered with Se Jo Tong and Lim Association and the City Government of Manila in the CVA Program. The CVA is accredited with the Technical and Skills Development Authority [TESDA].

The van-aralan will stay at the Bonifacio Shrine(beside Manila City Hall) from April 12 to June 12.

Mayor Lim thanked the Se Jo Tong and Lim's Family Association for donating the 15 computers for the van aralan program.

"This will be a great opportunity for those residing here in Manila as they now have the opportunity to undergo computer trainings for free that they need for looking for jobs," Lim said.

The CVA will operate on five shifts a day with 15 students per shift.

The CVA program is open to out-school youth with little or zero background in computer operations. It is also open to unemployed adults and government employees who also need computer training.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
April 12, 2010
(Date Received: 04/16/2010)

LIM INAUGURATES STREETS IN TONDO

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim took a breather from his daily campaign schedule to inaugurate two major roads in Tondo-- Imelda and Hernandez Streets--Monday morning.

Manila 1st district Representative Benjamin “Atong” Asilo thanked the Mayor in behalf of his constituents for his undying support and love.

Mayor Lim proudly reported the newly-acquired modern medical equipment like the Computerized Tomography Scan (CT Scan) for Gat. Andres Bonifacio Medical Memorial Center .

The CT Scan will be used to diagnose Manilans for free, which would otherwise cost in private clinics around P3,500.

“Kung kinakailangan ninyong magpa CT Scan doon na lang kayo sa Gat Andres dahil libre doon,” Lim told the crowd that attended the blessing of the roads.

He also mentioned the newly-inaugurated District III hospital named Justice Jose Abad Santos Mother and Child Hospital located at Numancia and San Nicolas in Binondo. It has centralized air-conditioning and the people of Tondo can also be admitted in case the Tondo and the Gat Andres Hospitals are already full.

Lim gives priority services to the poor and giving focus to Tondo is because this area is the mirror of blight and poverty of the country.

Lim said he wants the poor to enjoy as much, if not the same, privileges and services as the rich in health care, education and others. “Dahil ang gusto kong maramdaman ninyo na may Langit din sa Tondo,” Lim said.

According to Walfrido Novero design chief of the city’s engineering department over 50 streets in Tondo underwent some form of transformation under the Lim administration.

Lim vowed that in his next term all roads in Tondo will be concretized. “Sa aking darating na termino, pasesementuhin ko ang buong Tundo.”

Apart from road concreting, Mayor Lim pledged to add more health centers and lying-in centers to address the growing population.

Mayor Lim also said that children must be nurtured with knowledge and education so that in 50 years time the next leader of the country could come from Tondo.

“Alagaan ang mga bata sa pamamagitan ng pag-aaral. At baka sa pagkaraan ng 50ng taon ang susunod na presidente ay manggaling sa Tundo.”

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
April 11, 2010
(Date Received: 04/16/2010)

COMEDY KING DOLPHY ENDORSES LIM FOR MANILA

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has found another popular ally in comedy king Dolphy, who in a voiced tape played during the fund-raising dinner party of running-mate Franciso "Isko Moreno" Domagoso for vice mayor of the city held at the Centuy Seafood Restaurant Wednesday night, said: "May isa pa akong taong hinahangaan as he then narrated Lim's long list of dedicated public service."

Diva Pilita Corrales, who performed at the fund raising dinner, told the audience of Lim's seven years of childhood at the Hospicio De San Jose, an orphanage along Ayala Bridge by the Pasig River. To this day, the Mayor is very emotional about recalling his childhood.

Lim told the guests that the event was a double celebration for Moreno, a sure win as vice mayor and himself, as mayor.

Lim said his opponent, his predecessor, is always speaking ill of him and belittles his accomplishments in running the city.

"I don't bother anymore, whatever he says. I won't dignify his lies. The people of Manila know the truth from lies," Lim said.

Dolphy narrated Lim's career from a lowly policeman to chief of the Northern Police District, director of the National Bureau of Investigation to Mayor of Manila, Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, radio commentator, senator and back as Mayor of Manila.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
April 11, 2010
(Date Received: 04/16/2010)

BASECO ASSURES LIM OF SURE WIN

In exchange for his magnanimity in allotting more time and resources to upgrading the lives of the slum dwellers in Baseco, re-electionist Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim was assured by its residents of a sure win in their area during his house- to- house campaign in the dehydrating humid Sunday morning.

“Siguradong panalo kayo dito sa Baseco Mayor” said the residents who went out of their houses to greet him.

A priority concern of the Mayor, Baseco is one area of Manila's 5th district teeming with voters.

Mayor Lim went from house to house including the muddy portions near the shoreline of Baseco.

One of the residents recalled that during Lim’s second incumbency Baseco was slowly transformed into a better community with the newly-built President Corazon Aquino High School, three children's playgrounds, the installation of seawall barrier and some road improvements.

Lim even has plans of putting up a market in the very heart of Baseco so that residents need not go far to buy fresh food. He also wants to add more health centers and an extension building for the President Aquino High School.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
April 8, 2010
(Date Received: 04/16/2010)

LIM REWARDS OUTSTANDING CITY STUDENTS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning rewarded honor students of the city's primary and secondary schools with cash incentives of P3,000 for first honor; P2,000 for second honor and P1,000 for third honor.

The recognition of honor students and distribution of cash incentives tooks place at the Pedro Guevarra Elementary School in Binondo Thursday morning.

He urged the recipients to save some of their incentives by opening a savings account in the bank so that when emergencies strike, they have something to use.

The distribution of cash gifts was organized by the Division of City School headed by Superintendent Dr. Ponciano Menguito during the “Handog Pagkilala.”

"Sa kaunting halaga o yung bawat sukli sa baon na ibinibigay ng magulang ninyo itabi niyo sa bangko para pagdating ng panahon ng pangangailangan ay may makukuha kayong pera. At ito ay isang magandang kaugalian hanggat kayo ay bata pa,” Lim said.

Mayor Lim said the recognition must serve to encourage students to strive even harder until they receive valedictorian or salutatorian awards.

Through your parents’ sacrifices, you were able to finish with honors. In like manner, you should give your parents the recognition due them.

The mayor also asked the parents present to persevere in making their children finish college to give them a bigger chance to become successful professionals so that some day "your children will be there to support you," the Mayor said.

Mayor Lim was assisted by City School Superintendents Drs Mauro de Gulan and Narcisa Sta Ana.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
April 8, 2010
(Date Received: 04/16/2010)

LIM ADDRESSES 12TH GRADUATION AT CCM

In this season of commencement exercises, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim makes it a point to speak before the graduates-- whether primary, secondary or collegiate.

At the 12th commencement exercise of the City College of Manila --later renamed Unibersidad de Manila by the City Council-- which the Mayor founded during his first incumbency, Mayor Lim nearly cried after over 1,000 grateful graduates gave him a standing ovation on his way to the exit door. The CCM graduation was held at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Lim was deeply touched at the sight of future leaders and the future situation of their parents, who they might leave behind when they become successful someday.

He recalled the story of a successful professional who left behind his ailing parents who were tended to by neighbors. After two years, the professional learned of his parents conditions and regretted having left them. He vowed to take good care of them.

When he spoke before them, the weariness of the campaign showed in his face still he was overjoyed at seeing the graduates, products of the school he put up 12 years ago.

He reminded the graduates that they face tougher challenges ahead, competing not just among themselves but with products of other schools and universities of the country in the jobs market.

He told the students to always be grateful and show their gratitude to their parents who have toiled so hard for them to receive their diplomas.

Again he recalled another story when, while having breakfast in a five-star hotel, the parents of a previous CCM graduate, now successfully working abroad, approached him, and gave him an invitation to their child's wedding-- all expenses to be shouldered by the child.

Lim said it is possible that a future government or country leader could come from their rank. He inspired them to always strive for excellence and be competent so that they will reach their pillar of success.

Mayor Lim also led the recognition rites for outstanding students or those who graduated with honors.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
March 22, 2010
(Date Received: 03/22/2010)

LIM THANKS UNILEVER FOR THE 10 ROWHOUSES IN BASECO

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning thanked Unilever Philippines Inc. for its donation of 10 rowhouses for 10 families in the Unilever Vitality Village, built in collaboration with Gawad Kalinga in Baseco Compound, Port Area.

Unilever has turned over 30 houses with the remaining 30 more houses and two commercial buildings to be finished within the next two years, according to a press statement of the company.

Present at the turnover were Unilever Chairman Fernando Fernandez, Vice President Chito Macapagal and Gawad Kalinga Executive Director Tony Meloto and the barangay officials of Baseco.

He said Baseco used to be a very depressed area with the residents getting by each day without any hope for the future.

Lim praised Fernandez for taking time out from his busy schedule to check the rowhouses and take part in the turnover ceremonies and for showing his dedication to serve the poor people of Baseco.

The Mayor said during his predecessor’s time, Unilever opted to leave the city because in 2006 he had an ordinance approved giving Unilever a deadline of 7 years to vacate its location. This means that by 2013, Unilever has to leave, Lim said.

“Why ask Unilever to leave when it has been helping us in all our requirements during Christmas, disasters and fires and now the company is donating 10 rowhouses and is putting up a wholesome community,” the Mayor said.

Last year, Unilever’s Macapagal warned that if the company would be made to leave the city, it would be better for the company to relocate to other countries where it is more welcome.

When I learned of that, I stopped Unilever from its plan and had an ordinance crafted by the City Council to make the company stay. They have been here helping the city for the past 82 years especially during calamities and providing employment to so many people, Lim said.

The Mayor told the residents that with their new homes, they should change their outlook and be more responsible and for the husbands to apply for jobs in the commercial centers to be built by Unilever in the area.

Fernandez for his part said Unilever shares Gawad Kalinga’s mission of creating peaceful and productive communities. “The contributions of each Unilever employee to build these homes have made a big difference in the lives of the people who will now have a place to call their own. And we are happy to have been part of it.”

The Unilever Vitality Village is the company’s commitment to the residents of Baseco, the first of its kind with a community complex composed of a day care center, youth and sports area and a plaza which will help develop the community further. Funding for the village comes from the contributions of Unilever employees from various fund-raising activities and which were matched by the company.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
March 20, 2010
(Date Received: 03/22/2010)  

LIM ORDERS CONFISCATION OF "MAGIC" SUGAR

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim directed the Manila Police District and the City Health Department to  confiscate and stop the proliferation of "magic" sugar or neotegen  which contains sodium cyclamate, a known carcinogenic substance used as sweeteners in cold drinks. It had been banned since 1970 based on Administrative Order 123 series of 1970.

The Department of Health sent sanitation inspectors to immediately conduct surveillance of identified areas. They randomly checked drinks being sold by "palamig vendors" on suspicion that these have used "magic sugar." But tests showed negative for magic sugar, but just brown sugar.

Further monitoring and verification will be done by the division of sanitation in coordination with the MPD, according to Manila Health Superintendent Dra. Marie Lorraine Sanchez.

Measures undertaken by Manila Health Department included: (1) a tri-media campaign against the use of magic sugar; (2) apprehension of ambulant vendors suspected of using magic sugar by the MPD; (3) coordination with barangay chairmen for the monitoring of vendors within their respective barangays; (4) awareness campaign through lectures by hepo(jenny what is this) & sanitary officers to students regarding magic sugar & hepatitis A; (5) encourage parents to prepare home-made nutritious meals for their children so they do not need to buy from ambulant vendors and (6) continuous monitoring for sanitary permit and environmental sanitation.  

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
March 20, 2010
(Date Received: 03/22/2010)  

MANILA OPENS 10TH LIBRARY

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led the opening of the 10th city library at the Patricia Sports Complex as part of his 11-point agenda to improve the literacy rate and education quality of city residents.

His vision of bringing the city's services closer to the people is now exemplified by his putting the library right at the Patricia Sports Complex, where currently a basketball court, children’s playground, satellite office, day care center, health center, fitness gym and the latest addition of a public library are housed.

According to City Librarian Helen Grace Cacho the Patricia library is the 10th public library of the city and the first in the 2nd district which is located at the 3rd floor of Patricia Sports Complex.

Cacho also said that the library is the third public library that is fully air conditioned aside from Fugoso and Paco Libraries.

Mayor’s Complaint and Action Team Chief Col (ret.) Franklin Gacutan represented the mayor. He said the residents should encourage the youth especially the out-of-school youths to spend some time in the library as a way of gaining knowledge.

The Patricia library has reference books such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, almanacs and other book and toy collections for children, mathematics, sciences and a children section would look like a semi day-care and a semi recreational section.

The city library has also “Manilañana Collection” of facts, news articles or books about the City of Manila, to which the city library subscribes.

Gacutan’s parting words to the parents and some children of the day care centers is to look at the Mayor as a living example of a true leader who proved that poverty is not a hindrance to education and success.

Accompanying Gacutan and Cacho in the inauguration were 2nd district Representative Jaime Lopez, Ruben Yu and Rev Fr Ferdie Fajardo, Parish Priest of St. Joseph and some city department heads.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
March 19, 2010
(Date Received: 03/22/2010)  

LIM ORDERS PROBE ON TREE-CUTTING IN MANILA

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim firmly ordered the immediate investigation of the chopped six old trees along Quirino Avenue, where photo was shown in a daily newspaper on March 11, 2010.

The trees located along P. Quirino Avenue near P. Gil St., were cut upon request of the landowner, a certain Federico Dy with address at 1400 Pres. Quirino Avenue cor., South Super Highway, Manila, to give way to the construction of a gas station in the area.

" Manila has a tree-planting policy and campaign. We plant trees every Saturday and it's a continuous campaign. Then these people will just cut these trees for commercial purpose and personal gains? We cannot allow this act to just slip through our fingers," Lim said, aghast at the news column with photo in the paper.

"We need to file appropriate charges against the agency responsible and the people involved," he added.

City Engineer Armando L Andres upon the directive of Chief of Staff of Mayor Lim Ric de Guzman immediately instructed Engr. Josephine Saing, District Engineer of 5th District to investigate the matter.

Andres presented a copy of tree-cutting permit issued to Dy by Dr. Jose Andres L. Diaz, OIC, Regional Executive Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - National Capital Region (DENR-NCR), which allowed the landowner to cut six (6) trees (3 Narra and 3 Mahogany) to give way for the construction of the proposed Metro Oil Gas Station.

The permit stated, "Cognizant thereto and pursuant to the Memorandum dated November 27, 2009 of secretary Jose L. Atienza Jr., setting guidelines and procedures on the planting, maintenance and removal of trees in urban areas and in areas affected by government infrastructure projects, a Tree Cutting Permit is hereby granted..."

The permit was accompanied by a certificate of compliance signed by Bernadette P. Atienza, FMS II, DENR-NCR, which showed that the requirement to provide a replacement of 260 saplings of assorted indigenous/endemic species was delivered.

Lim said that it takes years to grow these old trees and yet the agency which is supposed to guard against the destruction of these elements of nature committed the violation by allowing a private company to cut the trees.

He also pertained back to the incident in Intramuros, where DENR filed charges against Anna Maria "Bambi" Harper, Intramuros administrator, for violation of Presidential Decree 953, specifically Sec. 3 that states: “Any person who cuts, destroys, damages or injures naturally growing or planted trees of any kind shall be punished with imprisonment of no less than six months and not more than two years, or a fine of not less than P500 and not more than P5,000, or with both such imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the court.”

Harper however had pleaded indirect involvement in the cutting of the 29 trees in Intramuros, as the contractor was the party at fault.

"It's similar to the trees cut in Intramuros. So why would this case be any different? It was a clear violation of the law. Besides, this gas station is a private entity, not a government infrastructure project, giving them no authority to cut them trees," Lim explained.

Chief of Staff Ricardo De Guzman scheduled an immediate ocular inspection with the Mayor of the site on Friday afternoon together with City Legal officer Atty. Renato dela Cruz, City Engineer Armando Andres, Engr. Walfrido Novero, City Administrator Jesus Mari Marzan, Atty. Solfia Arboladura of Manila Tourism & Cultural Affairs Bureau, and Atty. Analyn Buan of Manila Barangay Bureau.

Atty. Arboladura said that they have also clearly violated the Republic Act 3571, AN ACT TO PROHIBIT THE CUTTING, DESTROYING OR INJURING OF PLANTED OR GROWING TREES, FLOWERING PLANTS AND SHRUBS OR PLANTS OF SCENIC VALUE ALONG PUBLIC ROADS,IN PLAZAS, PARKS, SCHOOL PREMISES OR IN ANY OTHER PUBLIC GROUND.

Atty. Dela Cruz said, appropriate complaints are already prepared for filing. He said the permit granted to Dy was unreasonable.

Andres detached the board bearing the building permit  information saying that they have already revoked such permit, thus they must stop the construction.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
March 18, 2010
(Date Received: 03/22/2010)  

LIM HAPPY ABOUT DISMISSAL BY OMBUDSMAN OF SJS COMPLAINT

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim is now happy with the recent dismissal of the complaint against him and Vice Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso claiming that the complaint by the Social Justice Society filed before the Ombudsman's office was "politically motivated from the very start."

The complaint on conduct prejudicial to public interest and violation of oath office was filed by the SJS advocates represented by Atty. Vladimir Alarique Cabigao, a candidate for councilor in the party of Lim's opponent Joselito Atienza Jr. The case alleged that Lim and Moreno, in signing Ordinance No. 8187 which amended Ordinance 8027 reverting to industrial classification the land use of the Pandacan oil depot, indirectly repealed a Supreme Court decision in SJS Vladimir Alarique T. Cabigao and Bonifacio Tumbokon vs. Jose L. Atienza Jr.

Ombudsman Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez, who signed the resolution, cited Section 20 of RA 6770 , otherwise known as The Ombudsman Act of 1989 where "the Office of the Ombudsman may not conduct the necessary investigation of any administrative act as it is believed that the complainant has an adequate remedy in another judicial or quasi-judicial body and the complaint pertains to a matter outside the jurisdiction of the Office of the Ombudsman…"

The resolution added: "In charging Mayor Lim and Vice-Mayor Domagoso, Cabigao is actually actually questioning the validity or constitutionality of Ordinance No. 8187 which the two had signed. And the Ombudsman’s office is not the office to rule on said issue.Furthermore, the complaint is under the power of the Supreme Court as it pertains to the constitutionality of the ordinance signed."

Elated, Lim said he had been confident that the Ombudsman will dismiss the complaint. "From the very start, it’s already obvious that it’s politically motivated," Lim stated.

The Pandacan oil depot issue started back in Atienza’s incumbency as Mayor when he approved the Ordinance No. 8027, in November 28, 2001 and promulgated on December 28, 2001.

Ordinance 8027 reclassified the oil depot area in Pandacan from Industrial to Commercial Zone effectively prohibiting the continuous existence and operation of oil companies in that area.

On June 26, 2002 , the city (under Atienza) and the Department of Energy entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the oil companies in which they (oil companies) agreed that "the scaling down of the Pandacan Terminals was the most viable and practicable option."

The scaling down includes the immediate decommissioning/removal of 28 tanks starting with the LPG spheres and the commencing works for the creation of safety buffer and green zones surrounding the Pandacan Terminals.

The council ratified the MOU in Resolution No. 97 and declared that the MOU was effective only for six months beginning July 25, 2002 .

On Jan. 30, 2003 the council adopted Resolution No. 13 extending the validity of Resolution No. 97 to April 30, 2003 and authorizing Atienza to issue special business permits to the oil companies. Resolution No. 13, series of 2003, also called for a reassessment of the ordinance.

And In June 16, 2006, Ordinance 8119 known as "Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning Regulations" was enacted. This ordinance ordered companies classified as Medium and Heavy Industries to cease operation in Manila within seven (7) years. In this ordinance, other companies such as Unilever, PhilMatchCo, and others were affected.

In response to the possible economic deterioration which will be caused by removal of these companies that would result to numbers of unemployment, as well as more danger that will be posted in transferring the oil depots, Ordinance No. 8187 was proposed, passed, and approved by Lim on May 28, 2009, after series of dialogue with President Gloria Arroyo’s cabinet members, social groups, business groups, and Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.

Cabigao, a lawyer representing SJS filed a case against Atienza on the same Pandacan oil depot issue, where the Supreme Court (SC) asked then Mayor Atienza to perform his ministerial duty and enforce the order of the SC to enforce Ordinance No. 8027, dismantling the Big Three oil depots (Shell, Chevron, Petron).

Cabigao, was also said to have led protests against Atienza when he was appointed as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Now, Cabigao is running for councilor under in Atienza's party.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
March 22, 2010
(Date Received: 03/22/2010)  

OSPITAL NG TONDO GETS PLAQUE FROM DOH

Ospital ng Tondo Director Dr. Marlon Millares last Monday paid a call on Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim to present to the Mayor the plaque of recognition it received from the Department of Health for its invaluable contribution to the anti paputok drive of DOH last December.

Millares said, Ospital ng Tondo was given the recognition last March 4,2010 by DOH during the recently- concluded Consultative Meeting of the Online National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Kontra Paputok at the City state Tower Hotel, Ermita.

Only three of 50 participating sentinel hospitals nationwide were awarded the recognition for their invaluable and dedicated support to the ONEISS-kontra Paputok of DOH.

Ospital ng Tondo and two other hospitals from Ilocos and Davao  were the three recipients of the award were awarded for the first time since the fireworks Injuiry Surveillance was initiated in 1991 by the department.

The criteria for selecting the awards are:  timeliness of reporting, accuracy of reports and completeness of reporting covering the period from December 21,2009 to January 5,2010.

During the period, Ospital ng Tondo  registered the third most number of cases of fireworks injuiry  (42  cases or seven percent of total) next only to Jose Reyes Medical Center and East Avenue Medical Center.

This record forms an integral part of DOH's effort to intensiy the campaign of Oplan Iwas Paputok.   

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
March 15, 2010
(Date Received: 03/22/2010)  

CITY HALL DENIES GIVING OUT CONDOMS IN HEALTH CENTERS

City Hall today denied it was giving away free condoms in the 52 health centers of Manila, as alleged by some newspapers last week, citing Mayor Lim’s firm stand supporting the Catholic Church’s opposition to the Reproductive Health (RH) issue.

At the Department Heads and Chiefs of Offices (DEHECHO) meeting this morning, City Health Officer Dra. Lorraine Sanchez said all health centers under her never procured any form of artificial contraceptives or condoms from its annual budget or any other budgetary resources

This started in July 2007 when Mayor Alfredo S. Lim began his second incumbency..

Lim voiced his objection to the government’s condom drive saying couples should be left to decide on their family size.

In addition, it’s definitely “no” to abortion or to purchase contraceptives with City funds.

“We, in Manila, are against the move to use government funds to buy condoms… those who want to use condoms should buy it themselves,” Lim stressed earlier.

“Mayor Lim has made it clear to us, time and again, that he will fully support the position of the Catholic Church on responsible parenthood and the use of Manila Health Department funds only for medicines, medical equipment, supplies and nutrition feeding,” Sanchez emphasized.

Finally, she said, contraceptives are not medicines and pregnancy is definitely not a disease.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
March 15, 2010
(Date Received: 03/15/2010)  

P40-M MEDIUM-RISE HOUSING PROJECT TO BE BUILT SOON

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim formally announced and invited residents along Quirino Avenue to attend the ceremonial groundbreaking of the 5-story medium-rise housing project to be built by City Hall worth P50 million for the residents of Manila. The announcement was made during the ceremonial switching of lights of Quirino Avenue Friday evening.

City Engineer Armando Andres said the ground breaking ceremony is scheduled on Wednesday March 17.

Lim said the housing project is unique in that it has elevator for those who will live there particularly the senior citizens and school children who are carrying heavy bags.

City Design Chief Engr. Walfrido Novero said the 5 storey structure has a floor area of 4,500 square meters and will be inaugurated after four months based on the report of City Engineer Andres.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
March 13, 2010
(Date Received: 03/15/2010)  

LIM LAUNCHES BASECO PLAYGROUND 3

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim inaugurated Saturday morning the new  Baseco playground 3, at Baseco Compound in line with his priority program of providing children with wholesome entertainment areas to spend their free time in. The blessing was presided by Rev. Fr. Willy Araña of San Agustin Parish.  

Public Recreations Bureau Director Deogracias Manimbo said the playground has an area of 250 square meters and this is the 9 th playground opened under Mayor Lim's watch. Next to be inaugurated is the Sta. Ana and Sampaloc playgrounds.  

Lim said that playgrounds are for children and residents of Baseco to give them a chance to play with such equipment. "Ang mga anak ng mahihirap ay may karapatang makapaglaro ng mga modernized playground equipments. The playground is not only for children but also for parents to while their time away since the playgrounds are well lighted at night.  

He also requested the residents around the playground to maintain cleanliness and to take good care of the equipment.

“Bukod dito sa playground, magtatayo din kami ng health center at palengke na malinis at sementado para sa inyo upang hindi na kayo lalayo pa”.

Last December 2008, the city inaugurated the first Baseco playground and the second last February 2009.

He reiterated his sermon to the youth: "Strive to finish  college so that you will someday be professionals. Education is my main priority." There are two universities in the city that provides free education namely Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and City College of Manila.

“ Yung Baseco High School building ay padadagdagan po natin ng rooms para first year to fourth year na ang mga papasok, para maglalakad na lamang sila at hindi na lalayo pa. Kaya natin ito ginagawa para sa kabutihan ng mga kabataan”.   He told the parents to take care and love their children and encourage them to pursue college degree.

Also present were: City Engineer Armando Andres, Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center Director Dr Fidel Chua; City College of Manila Vice-President for Administration and Finance Alma Solancho, Veterinary Inspection Board OIC Sonia Salmos, and Justice Jose Abad Santos Mother and Child Hospital director Dr. Teodoro Martin.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
March 13, 2010
(Date Received: 03/15/2010)  

HEALTH MAINTAINS MONITORING ON SUMMER DISEASES

The Manila Health Department (MHD), under City Health Officer Dra. Marie Lorraine Sanchez is closely monitoring summer diseases which has been increasing despite continuous immunization programs of the city.

The MHD noted increases in the numbers of measles cases in children despite the immunization program by the city’s health department.

Sanchez said despite the ongoing immunization program, there has been increases in summer diseases like mumps, measles, rubella, chicken pox and conjunctivitis.

In a recent report of the different health centers, there were about 22 cases of chicken pox that underwent treatment.

The MHD treated the patients with vitamin A and paracetamol for those with fever, antibiotics for children with upper respiratory infection.

Dra. Sanchez advised children with infectious diseases to stay isolated to prevent cross infection before and after scabs show since these infectious diseases are airborne infection.

Sanchez vowed no let-up in the monitoring throughout the six health districts.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
March 13, 2010
(Date Received: 03/15/2010)  

LIM PRAISES VERSOZA'S PRINCIPLES

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim lauded Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Jesus Versoza's commitment not to follow illegal orders to perpetuate President Arroyo in power should a failure of election arise after the May 2010 polls.

Versoza was earlier reported to have voiced his objection to any possible plot to perpetuate Arroyo with the installation ofArmy Chief, Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit as Chief of Staff, vice Gen. Victor Ibrado.

In an interview earlier, Versoza said he would not back any move to keep President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in power if the May elections failed. He vowed not to obey illegal orders.

Lim said that Versoza showed his exemplary principle and integrity in the performance of his duty and must be a model to all those officers and officials in the government.

"I admire his stand, i admire his principle. He is a true and brave enforcer of law and public servant. He has a clear respect for the rule of law. He is what we need in this country," Lim said.

"What he said was indeed constitutional. In the police we were trained and we vow to protect the rights of the people at all times and at all cost," he added.

The mayor said that the real essence of democracy is to follow what is in the Constitution. And if the constitution states that after the term, there has to be a new president, then that must be it. No other means and ways must go against it.

He also added that the Filipinos have fought hard to gain their true freedom during the EDSA revolution (People Power) and it must not be wasted.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
March 13, 2010
(Date Received: 03/15/2010)  

LIM SWITCHES ON 341 LAMP POSTS ALONG QUIRINO AVENUE

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led city officials in the ceremonial lighting of the 341 lamp posts along Quirino Avenue that stretches from Roxas Boulevard to West Zamora in Paco Friday evening.

The Quirino Avenue lighting is the longest street lighting installation in Manila covering 3 kilometers of lamp posts on both sides surpassing the stretch of Roxas Boulevard, said City Engineer Armand Andres.

The lighting drew a lot of praises from current and former local executives of the city, residing along the stretch of Quirino Avenue.

Councilor Ramon Yupangco (5th District) who lives near Quirino Avenue said the lighting along this vital thoroughfare, a long-sought dream, will minimize the hold-up incident. Yupangco said he has witnessed many of such crimes since he was a young boy.

Former 5th district Representative Joey Hizon added that residents of Anak Bayan had been waiting for the lighting of Quirino Avenue for over nine years.

Former Councilor Pablo “Chikee” Ocampo said Mayor Lim had revived the city while 6th district Councilor Ernesto Rivera said that present programs of the city must be continued and not changed by whoever gets elected in May.

Also present during the ceremonial rites were City Electrician Ernesto Cuyugan; Building Official Engr Melvin Balagot; Col. Carlos Baltazar (Ret) of the Department of Public Services; Ospital ng Maynila Memorial Medical Center OIC Dr Isaias Cando; newly-inaugurated Justice Jose Abad Santos Mother and Child Hospital director Dr. Teodoro Martin; City Registrar Ma Josefa Encarnacion Ocampo; Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center Director Dr Fidel Chua; City College of Manila Vice-President for Administration and Finance Alma Solancho and Veterinary Inspection Board OIC Sonia Salmos.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
March 12, 2010
(Date Received: 03/15/2010)  

LIM OFFICIATES 1ST MASS WEDDING AT CITY JAIL

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim officiated his first mass wedding of inmates at the Manila City Jail as mayor of Manila.

He wedded 17 couples in free civil wedding at the chapel inside the city jail.

Among those present were Bureau of Jail Management and Penology officers, City Civil Registrar Josefa Encarnacion Ocampo and Barangay Chairman Thelma Lim.

Ocampo said there were supposed to be 19 couples but they backed out because they did not meet the documentary requirements for a marriage license. Others did not pass the screening because they were already married and could not present a certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR) from the National Statistics Office, a document that proves person's eligibility to marry.

Lim advised each couple to continue loving and caring for each other despite the status of their husbands/wives, as marriage is part of a completion to a happy and normal living.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
March 10, 2010
(Date Received: 03/12/2010)  

LIM CREATES CENSUS BODY IN CITY HALL

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim has created, under Executive Order No. 5, the City Census Coordinating Board which shall assist the National Statistics Office in the conduct of the 2010 nationwide Census of Population and Housing this coming May.

EO 5 is in response to National Statistics Coordinating Board Resolution 16 calling for the creation of regional, provincial, city, municipal census and coordinating boards to assist the NSO with their facilities, publicity and any other required assistance.

Earlier, the NSCB issued Resolution No. 12 (series of 2009) endorsing to the Office of the President the issuance of a proclamation order declaring May 2010 as national census month; Resolution No. 14 (series of 2009) enjoining all agencies to provide assistance to NSO in the conduct of the 2010 census on population and housing and Resolution No. 15 (series of 2009) designating the NSCB in conducting the 2010 CPH.

For the City of Manila, Mayor Lim is the chairperson of the census body with City School Superintendent as vice chair and Ma. Josefa Encarnacion Ocampo, OIC City Civil Registry, Lourdes Laderas, city assessor, Engr. Rodolfo Catu, City Planning and Development Office, Gen. Rodolfo Magtibay, Manila Police District Director and Belen Razo, statistics officer of District 1, as members.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
March 9, 2010
(Date Received: 03/12/2010)  

CITY HALL TO RESORT TO ENERGY CONSERVATION THIS SUMMER

In view of a tight power supply this summer caused by the El Nino phenomenon, City Electrician Engr. Ernesto Cuyugan issued the following energy conservation measures to be observed: turn off all lights at lunchtime (from 12 noon to 1 p.m.), minimize the use of air conditioning units; prohibit the use of flat iron, stoves and other heaters and playing of computer games. The guidelines will take effect this March until May 31, 2010.

Cuyugan said the heavy use of electricity during summer is one of the reasons causing power circuit breaker tripping, fires and overloading or overheating of wires.

As Fire Month is observed nationwide during March, Cuyugan said employees must do their share in insuring safe usage of electricity this summer so that no overload or tripping will occur that would add to fires in the city.  

Power consumption during summer normally increases by at least 25 percent with the use of more cooling appliances like aircons and electric fans. This increased demand trigger massive brownouts because supply is hardly enough to meet demand, Cuyugan said adding that wanton use of electricity could lead to fire that will cause substantial damages to property and injury to humans.

Finally, Cuyugan said, all electrical equipment must be turned off and unplugged from the sockets after office hours.   

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
March 5, 2010
(Date Received: 03/05/2010)

PEOPLE POWER FOR PASIG RIVER

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim described the ongoing rehabilitation of the Estero de Paco, one of the tributaries of Pasig River, as a “People’s Power” for Pasig where people from different government agencies and private companies came to support the campaign for Pasig River and the rehabilitation of the century-old Paco market.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last week graced the groundbreaking to start the rehabilitation of the public market and donated P30 million to ABS-CBN Foundation’s Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP) headed by its Managing Director Gina Lopez.

At the dialog with market vendors, university and college presidents and students held Monday afternoon at the Paco market, Lim said that such rehabilitation would not be possible without the efforts of Lopez who is also behind the rehabilitation of the Pasig River.

Lim teased Lopez as somewhat like a commanding general who is giving orders to the Metro Manila Development Authority, the military and local governments but people oblige without hesitation.

Lim said that during the rehabilitation of Pasig River about 900 families living on the esteros were transferred to Calauan in Laguna without any violent reaction.

Lim described Lopez as the “spark plug” of the campaign and commended her efforts and untiring energy for the project. “It is really fantastic and there is no other person who could do it. The applause must go to Gina and we are just a supporting cast,” Lim added.

Lim said that it is about time that everyone should be involved because someday it
would benefit everyone.

The project has started the clearing and cleaning of different areas near the estero
such as Paco Tenement, Quirino Avenue, Pedro Gil, Apacible and now beside the Paco Market.

Lim asked the officials of colleges and universities to inform their students of such efforts and to get them involved in some way.

During typhoon Ondoy, Estero de Paco was filled with all sorts of garbage which arenow gone. Running aerators in the river enabled it to regain the required dissolved oxygen level and soon help the currently black river regain its natural color.

Lopez said that students play an important role in this campaign with the support of government agencies and private sector since "what we collectively do to the river now will revive the Filipino spirit."

Lopez also announced the scheduled run in October in various starting points and
finishing in Pasay for the Pasig river rehabilitation. She said she hopes to see the active participation of students and targets around 100,000 runners.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
March 4, 2010
(Date Received: 03/04/2010)

MANILANS TO GET FREE VIEWING OF PACQUIAO-CLOTTEY FIGHT

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim will, once again, treat all Manilans to a free live viewing of the match between two top welterweight fighters in the world when Manila’s adopted son Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao faces Ghana’s Joshua Clottey for the World Boxing Organization welterweight title straight from the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Texas.

To ensure that Manilans throw their moral support and cheer for the pound-for-pound king, more known as “Pambansang Kamao,” the match will be viewed on giant screens to be installed at: Tondo Sports Complex for District 1; Patricia Sports Complex in District 2; RASAC Covered court in District 3; Dapitan Sports Complex In District 4; San Andres Sports Complex in District 5 and Sarmiento Covered Court in District 6.

Even before, Lim has been providing free viewing of all Pacquiao matches as his way of throwing moral support to the boxing icon.

“Si Manny Pacquiao ay nagbibigay ng karangalan sa ating bansa at ang lahat ng mga mamamayan ay interesado din na makita at mapanood ang kanyang susunod na tagumpay na naman”, Lim said.

Ghana’s pride Clottey came from a split decision lost against Miguel Cotto whom Pacquiao demolished in the very last round.

Lim said he is very optimistic about the Filipino ring icon’s victory against Clottey in their match. “Sigurado yun at tiyak na tiyak tulad ng pagsikat ng araw ang pagkapanalo ni Pacquiao,” Lim added.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
March 3, 2010
(Date Received: 03/03/2010)

LIM GRACES PETRON'S HEALTH CENTER OPENING

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and Petron President Eric Recto led the opening of Petron community health center inside the compound of Petron Pandacan Terminal Wednesday morning.

Only last year, Lim, Recto and Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales lowered the time capsule to reaffirm Petron’s commitment to nurture the community of Pandacan and sustain the well-being of its people through responsible health care.

“We come together today to share with residents of Pandacan the gift of life and to fuel hope with this community health center to be built hereafter,” Recto said.

Lim praised Recto for being a man of action, not of words.

He said he recognizes Petron’s corporate social responsibility for the residents of Pandacan through its educational scholarship in Beata, Bagong Diwa and Zamora Elementary Schools for indigent students from Grades 1 to 6; the weekly feeding program and recently a timely donation of fire truck to the Samahan ng mga Punong Barangay ng Pandacan.

The first-class health center provides specialized health care services to the residents of Pandacan. The health center is a joint effort between Petron and Mayor Lim through the support of the Manila Health Department under Dr. Marie Lorraine Sanchez and the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center headed by Dr. Isaias Cando.

The health center will be manned by medical professionals in Family Medicine and sub-specialists in cardiology, endocrinology and pediatric pulmonology to ensure the good health of nearby residents and Manileños.

A signing of memorandum of agreement (MOA) took place beside the community health center by Petron president, Mayor Lim, Drs. Sanchez and Cando and witnessed by other both officials from Petron and City Hall.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 23, 2010
(Date Received: 02/26/2010)

LIM ADRESSES CHED NATIONAL GAMES 2010 ATHLETES

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim told the athletes participating in the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) National Games that victory can be accomplished through hard work during the opening rites held at the 80 year old Rizal Memorial Track and Field and Football Stadium.

The 'Games' was the biggest ever with the merger of the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA), the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) and the Local State Colleges and Universities (LSCUAA), which has a total membership of 1,781 schools nationwide and almost 2.6 million students.

Lim addressing around 6,000 athletes coming from different regions of the country said that they are the best in their regions and by competing in the national games it will determine the best of the best athlete in their respective sports discipline.

Lim, jested that these athletes were all candidates, not for election, but as future Olympians who will not represent their schools or colleges, cities or municipalities or regions but will compete to give honor to our country.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Harry Angping challenged on the other hand, the athletes who could break any record of respective sports and will be given a cash incentive of 20,000 pesos.

Lim who stood and addressed his message of one of the most historical sports venue in Manila said a sports competition is like politics.  “Sa darating na halalan, kagaya nyong mga atleta ang lahat ng mga haharap sa inyo ay may kanya-kanyang kagalingan, kakayahan at meron ding kanya-kanyang kapalsuhan, kayo ngayon ang mamimili sa May 10, ang piliin ninyo ay katulad ng magwawagi sa hanay ninyo yung pinakamagaling, pinakamahusay, mapagkakatiwalaan alang-alang sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan.”

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 19, 2010
(Date Received: 02/26/2010)

LIM  SAYS HE GIVES EDUCATION FOR ALL IN MANILA 

Even as presidential aspirants are just talking about their education agenda with the view of providing education for all, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim says he has been giving free education to Manilans since his first incumbency and in his first term under the second incumbency.

Addressing a forum at the PUP College of Arts and Sciences entitled “10 days and 10 voices: Education Platform 2010,” Lim boasted that Manila started the ‘zero fee’ education at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and the City College of Manila during his 1 st incumbency in 1992 which was eventually copied by other cities in Metro Manila.

He added that when he came back as mayor of Manila in 2007, he ordered  a  stop to the collection of contributions to all students in public elementary and high schools and provided revolving funds to all school principals from P20,000 up to P40,000 every month to accommodate all miscellaneous expenses of  their schools.

The Mayor stressed that during his term, teachers’ bonuses increased from P1,000 a month to P2,500 in addition to their monthly salaries to boost their moral and stop them from selling their wares to students to augment their incomes..

The forum was attended by different sectors and students to voice out their hopes and agenda for Education for All (EFA) to future leaders. Presidential candidate Jamby Madrigal, together with party list representatives from KAAKBAY, AKBAYAN, ABAKADA and UNI-MAD.

It was also attended by out of school youth from urban poor communities in Metro Manila, indigenous peoples from Pampanga and children with disability as they urged the candidates to give equal attention and concrete policy that will equalize education for the poor.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 19, 2010
(Date Received: 02/23/2010)

LIM AWARDS 110 CERTIFICATES TO MANILA OCCUPANTS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim awarded lot certificates to 110 families in Manila.

The city-owned properties were given under his Land for the Landless Program to deserving families at the Bulwagang Villegas, Manila City Hall.

The recipients were from Tondo, Sampaloc, Paco, and Pandacan.

According to Victoria Clavel of Urban Settlements Office, from 1967 to February 18,2010, Manila has already awarded home lots to 6,553 families, around 30% of which were already issued with land titles.

Of these, 1150 or 17.55% were granted lots from July 2007 to February 18,2010 under Mayor Lim's administration.

Assisting the Mayor in the distribution of Lot Awards were Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Rafaelito M. Garayblas, Urban Settlements Officer Victoria S. Clavel and City Legal Officer Atty. Renato Dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz said that it is the Mayor's topmost priority to provide permanent homes to these settlers.

It shall be noted that Lim, in one of his media interviews said that his next big project will be mass housing projects to relieve the city from the problems on informal settlers.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 18, 2010
(Date Received: 02/23/2010)

MANILA ADOPTS 15-MINUTE BUSINESS REGISTRATION

New businesses in Manila may now finish their business registration in a two-step process which will take only 15 minutes and two person-to-person interfaces in comparison to its previous 17-step interfaces.

With technical assistance from International Finance Corporation (IFC), a private sector arm of the World Bank Group, the city is now able to issue business permits within the day when it used to take as long as 52 days before.

The major reforms in business processes, promoted by IFC’s Investment Climate program with the support of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Australian Agency for International Development (Aus-AID), are expected to encourage more small and medium-scale enterprises to join the formal sector in the Philippine capital.

The capital serves as the country’s representative city for the annual World Bank Group “Doing Business” report.

The global 2010 survey ranked the Philippines as 144th in a global list of 183 economies.

“Greater business activities will impact the income opportunities and basic services for the city’s poor. IFC is happy to have worked with the city government to make these significant improvements in a Regulatory Simplification program we are piloting in three other Metro Manila cities with the support of the League of Cities of the Philippines,” said Jesse Ang, IFC’s Resident Representative.

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim said the process reforms were the result of months of study, hard work, and collaboration by the city’s staffs from various departments who were trained by the Ateneo School of Government, IFC’s project partner.

These are the Bureau of Permits, Licensing Division, Engineering Dept, Treasury Dept, Electronic data Processing Services (EDPS), Accounting Office, Budget Office, Office of the Chief of Staff of the Mayor, Office of City Administrator, City Fire Marshal Office, Health and Sanitation Office.

“The Manila City Business Center (MCBC) and its simplified business registration process is the city’s means towards a comfortable, easy, fast and efficient way of doing business.

This is equally for all business constituents of the city, whether big or small like those ranging from the small vending stores to bigger companies.

This is contrary to hearsays that the MCBC will cater to big businesses only.

"We want the people to feel comfortable while registering your business where you will be attended to immediately and your business permit be given to you within the day or within 15 minutes,” said Mayor Lim.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 17, 2010
(Date Received: 02/26/2010)

MANILA TO HOLD MOTORCADE FOR ITS ADOPTED SON, DONAIRE

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and the City of Manila will have the parade when Manila ’s adopted son Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire pays a visit in Manila .

The last time Donaire was given a motorcade in Manila was when he won a unanimous decision among the three judges in a fight for the World Boxing Association interim Super Flyweight Championship against Rafael Concepcion on August 15, 2009.

Lim was all praises to Donaire’s spectacular finish against Mexico’s Manuel “Chango” Vargas saying “Maganda ang pagkakapanalo niya.”

Donaire is known for his speed and height advantage over Vargas, a late replacement for Gerson Guerrero who had to be pulled out after he was found to have a tear in the retina of his right eye. He demolished the Mexican in 3 rounds. 

“Kitang-kita ko na talagang kaya niya yung kalaban (Vargas) dahil malaki sa Donaire at hindi lang yun talagang magaling si Donaire,” Lim added.

Lim said he also appreciated Donaire’s reaction when the latter sympathized with Gerson Guerrero, the original opponent, after learning about Guerrero's detached retina. 

“Talagang tunay na tao si Donaire dahil naaawa siya sa nagging kalagayan ng kanyang dapat na makakalaban sa ring” Lim explained.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 17, 2010
(Date Received: 02/23/2010)

MANILA CELEBRATES 138TH MARTYRDOM OF GOMBURZA

The City of Manila led by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim commemorated the 138th martyrdom of Filipino priests during the Spanish era and are better known as GOMBURZA for Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora. They were all killed in Luneta and buried in Pandacan (birth place of Father Jacinto Zamora). They were eventually buried in the Paco Park.

“Dapat lagi nating isinasaalala ang kabayanihan at pagkamartir ng ating tatlong pari. Kahit na hindi sila lumaban o nagpakita ng katapangan sa giyera naipadama naman nila ang paninindigan para sa karapatan ng ating mga kababayang pari,” Lim told the youth in the audience.

Lim said the main concern of the three priests-- GOMBURZA was to give Filipino priests their own churches in accordance with the policy of the Catholic Church, which the Spanish friars did not observe because of professional jealousy. The friars wanted to stay as long as they wanted.

“Ang tatlong mga pari ay idinawit sa isang himagsikan sa Cavite kung saan naman ang mga tao ay lumaban dahil sa mataas na paniningil ng mga buwis. At may nabasang sulat na gawa ni Padre Jacinto Zamora na may nakalagay na “Pulbura at Bala” kung saan ito ay isa lamang palabas na balak gawin ng mga pari”, Lim added.

Since the friars did not have any much evidence against the 3 Filipino priests, GOMBURZA were executed after two days in Luneta.

Lim told everybody present not to forget the traditional love for our country. “Huwag nating kalilimutan na ang pag-aalay ng buhay ay isang pinakamahalagang pagtitiis o sakripisyo ng isang tao alang-alang sa pagmamahal sa bayan.”

Lim said people must only vote wisely this coming election using your mind, heart and conscience in choosing the most deserving candidate.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 16, 2010
(Date Received: 02/26/2010)

NEW BUILDING FOR ISABELO DE LOS REYES ELEMENTARY

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led the opening Tuesday of the new 3- story building of Isabelo Delos Reyes Elementary School in Tondo, which has 11 classrooms, four comfort rooms and one auditorium at the ground floor for activities like Parents Teachers Association meetings.

Lim stressed the building was by taxes. 

He added that education, his main priority, is the only escape from poverty and a road to a brighter future.

He also asked the parents to take care and love their children and encourage them to pursue college degree. For the students he urged them to show respect, kindness and love for their parents and teachers who struggle each day. Strive hard to finish until college since there are two universities in the city that provides free education.    

Next to be inaugurated will be Tondo High School.

Also present during the inauguration were: Congressman Benjamin “Atong” Asilo,  City School Superintendent Dr. Ponciano Menguito; Ruth Ricaforte, school principal;  Fr. Apol Arcala, parish priest of Sto. Niño Tondo, assistant school superintendents and city officials.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 16, 2010
(Date Received: 02/23/2010)

LIM LEADS OPENING OF NCR PALARO 2010

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim graced the opening of the National Capital Region Palaro 2010 held at Rizal Memorial Track and Field Stadium, with the city playing as host.

About 16 cities and one municipality joined the sports event with Lim leading the Manila contingent as they marched the track oval together with Manila’s City School Superintendent Dr. Ponciano Menguito, Assistant Superintendents Dr. Lourdes Lim, Dr. Narcisa Sta. Ana and Dr. Mario De Gulan.

Selected athletes of different city schools of Manila led the torch relay and the lighting of the urn for peace and unity.

Lim, a staunch believer in Jose Rizal’s belief that the youth is the hope of the nation, said that the youth must finish their education to be a professional and of service to their parents and to the nation.

“Strive for excellence para maging magaling sa inyong kursong kukunin,” Lim’s told the participants.

Lim also stressed the importance of teachers in educating their students well so that they become better people someday.

“Kailangan ninyo ng disiplina sa katawan para maging malakas at malusog”, Lim added.

In the coronation night of Mr. and Ms. NCR Palaro where Mayor Lim hosted a dinner, he informed the superintendents that he offers free education from elementary to college in the city to lift Manilans from hardships and to succeed in life.

The Mr. and Ms. NCR Palaro where both earned by the Division of the City of Caloocan and presented the award were Mayor Lim’s Chief of Staff Ricardo de Guzman and Dep-Ed NCR’s Director IV Dr. Teresita Domalanta.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 15, 2010
(Date Received: 02/23/2010)

LIM INAUGURATES NEW ARAULLO’S BUILDING

Parents must not be deprived of one of their most shining moments, that is seeing their children finish their education.

This is what Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim stressed to the students of Araullo High School during the inaugural rites of its new Phase II building Monday morning.

Lim believed that the only way to succeed in life and lift Manilans from hardships is to finish college and to become professionals someday.

Since Lim values education, the city established one of the city’s main programs for the poor - free education.

Lim’s second incumbency have accomplished series of construction of additional educational buildings for primary and secondary schools in Manila in order to accommodate more students and encourage them to finish school and pursue their goals.

With his on-going projects for the improvement of school facilities, he sees to it that these children and their parents will not have any reason to stop from studying and with Lim’s programs, financial constraints should not be an issue.

The school’s reformation started last year with the phase I which caters to Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) students and now its second phase has been established for Home Economics education.

The city spent about 80 million of city government funds for the new 4-story building with 15 by 80 square meters. The first floor has 8 workshop rooms while the 2nd floor has also 8 multi-purpose rooms and the third floor will be for home economics classes whereas the 4th floor have two school auditoriums.

Also present during the school’s inauguration were City Engineer Armando Andres, Designing Chief of the City Engineer’s Office Engr. Walfrido Novero, Jr., City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ponciano Menguito, City Hospital Directors Dr. Ronald Millares of Ospital ng Tondo, Dr. Fidel Chua of Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center, Isaias Cando of Ospital ng Maynila, Dr. Teodoro Martin of the newest hospital Jose Abad Santos Mother and Child Hospital, Public Recreation’s Bureau Director Engr. Deogracias Manimbo, and other city school principals and students.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 14, 2010
(Date Received: 02/23/2010)

LP-KKK PROCLAMATION RALLY KICKS-OFF IN TONDO

Revival of the of standard government system where corruption does not exist eyed by the Liberal Party (LP) and KKK was the central message of Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim during the Proclamation Rally of both political parties at Moriones in Tondo Saturday evening.

“Ang Liberal Party at ang KKK, ayaw namin sa nagsisinungaling, mandaraya, magnanakaw at iyan ang pagbabagong gagawin ni Noynoy at ni Mar at malaking pagbabago ang dadating at ang lahat ng mga taong gumawa ng pagmamalabis sa bayan at mananagot”, Lim said.

Thousands of Manilans attended the rally and represented by different groups such as Lakas ng Inang Manileño, senior citizens and different members of the barangay where, also, some representatives from other districts came to witness one of the most biggest political gathering in the city.

Lim took the chance of clearing things as what some news items had published against Lim’s administration where the city has done nothing for the people of Manila .

Lim enumerated some important projects that he has done for the city focusing on health, education, and peace and order.

Lim mentioned the new hospitals, Jose Abad Santos Mother and Child Hospital , in District 3, which was inaugurated last December and the on-going construction of 6th district hospital covering the areas of Sta. Mesa, Pandacan and Sta. Ana, where a 10-storey hospital with fully air-conditioned rooms and modernized hospital equipments could be found.

He mentioned as well the three hospitals that he built during his first incumbency.

Lim who values education for the indigent children, mentioned the different series of construction of additional buildings of different schools in Manila .

Lim who justified his health conditioned made 25 push-ups in front of thousands of Manilans.

Lim said that the real LP is handled by Presidential candidate Senator Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas as the vice-president and not the LP handled by Atienza. “Huwag mong gamitin ang Liberal dahil ang tunay na Liberal ay yung kay Noynoy at Mar”, Lim added.

Lim cautioned people to be very careful on people who are only good in speeches in yet has done little things for the city. “Mag-ingat kayo sa mga taong nagkukunwari o nagpapanggap.”

Lim challenged anyone who could prove that he has done nothing for the city and he would withdraw from re-election.

He also stressed that Atienza failed to appear in the scheduled debates for three times in a row.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 12, 2010
(Date Received: 02/23/2010)

TEN OUTSTANDING MANILA CITY EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and Nitoy Tagle, president of Rotary Club of Downtown Manila (RCDM) were joined by the city officials in honoring the ten outstanding city government employees Friday morning at Bulwagang Villegas, Manila City Hall.

The awarding ceremony was in line with the RCDM's goal of bettering public service delivery and giving recognition to public servants who have shown dedication, sacrifice, selflessness, and concern for the city's constituents.

Among those awarded as outstanding city government employees who received plaques of appreciation and a cash awards from the Rotary Club of Downtown Manila were: Jay de la Fuente, OIC, Manila Department of Social Welfare, Jorge Bataller of City Legal Office, Elnora Bodino of Department of Public Services, Imelda David of Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center (GABMMC), Vladimir Payumo of Bureau of Fire Protection, Ben Aquino of Media Bureau - Office of the Mayor, Josefino Ong of Department of Public Services, Edwin Alcantara of Public Recreations Bureau, Catalina Arca of City College of Manila, Elizabeth Ponce of Ospital ng Sampaloc.

A special awardee, Dr. Lourdes Lim of Division of City Schools was also given recognition for her 40 years of public service.

"My gratitude to the Rotary Club of Downtown Manila (RCDM) for its very rewarding recognition of our city government employees, " Li said.

"These special awards of excellence are deserved by these awardees. There is dignity of labor no matter what kind of work you have, strive for excellence and this is the essence of this awarding ceremony," he added.

He congratulated the awardees as he asked them to continue serving the people with dedication and passion.

The nomination process and awarding rites were facilitated by Atty. Renato Dela Cruz, City Legal Officer.

The awardees were nominated based on their efficiency, length of service, and their apparent dedication to their line of work.

Ben Aquino for example, has been City Hall's official photographer for 36 years and have served 4 Manila mayors and Jay Dela Fuente has been a personal choice of the Mayor as he chose to continue to serve the Manilans, old and young, day and night, and had set his candidacy for councilor aside, believing that he'd be better off serving the entire Manila than pour his concentration in one district only.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 11, 2010
(Date Received: 02/23/2010)

LIM DARES RIVALS TO PROVE HE HAS NOT DONE A THING FOR MANILA

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning dared his political opponents to prove he has not done anything for Manila detailing his accomplishments in delivering free education, health care and peace and order.

Lim had a “Face Off: Young Voters Meet Young Statesmen” forum held at the Philippine Normal University Auditorium where his opponent, Avelino Razon participated.

Known as the father of free services, Lim stressed the revival of the city’s free education and healthcare.

Lim said during his first incumbency, only one hospital the Ospital ng Maynila was built but he added three more hospitals: Ospital ng Sampaloc, Ospital ng Tondo and Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center.

In his second incumbency, Lim was able to build two more hospitals, Jose Abad Santos Mother and Child Hospital, inaugurated last December and President Corazon Aquino hospital, being constructed in the sixth district.

To assure the maintenance of the city’s free health programs, the Mayor made sure that a standby fund was put up to ensure that these health facilities can give free hospital and free medicines not just to Manilans but also to its neighbors.

“Kaya kami nagpalabas ng standby funds sa bawat ospital upang masigurado na hindi magkukulang ang mga gamot para sa mga pasyente at upang hindi magkulang ang mga gamit na kakailanganin,” Lim said.

Lim said he is proud of the six city hospitals that he has put up, with the one for the 6th district that is still being built rising up to 10 storeys located at the former Trinity Hospital along New Panaderos Street .

On education, Lim said he is providing free education for primary, secondary and tertiary education with some of these being expanded to accommodate more students living nearby. He said for example the City College of Manila now accommodates 14,500 students.

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) also one of the city’s university that cater to free education for bright but poor students.

Expected participant Lito Atienza declined the invitation of PNU students during the face-off. A move which is not the first as he also backed out from recent debate invitations from ANC & Radio Veritas, to name a few.

Also present in the PNU Forum were Vice Mayor Isko Moreno who is running for Vice mayor re-election, Coun. Clarissa “Bonjay” Isip, vice-mayoral candidate, Atty. Vladimir Cabigao, councilor aspirant. Isip and Cabigao are both under Atienza’s team.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 9, 2010
(Date Received: 02/23/2010)

CITY HALL GETS DIGITIZED IMAGES OF ITS CIVIL REGISTRY FILES

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim expressed his gratitude to the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, which digitized the civil registry records of City Hall from 1886 to 1996.

The City of Manila is the first recipient of the digitized donation from this religious denomination the first batch ( of three) digitized records in 500 gigabytes per subsystem. The other three digitized records will be submitted to the Civil Registry by next week.

Members of the Latter Day Saints paid a call on the Mayor to give the much-awaited digitized records of the city. Comprising the callers Won Yong Ko of the Philippines Area Presidency, Robert M. Andrada president of the Manila Stake of LDS Church, Manolito B. Baul Church Family History Manager and Alejandro Abalos, technical assistant, Department of Family Search who formally turned over the digitized records contained in hard disk drives.

These records consist of birth certificates, death certificates and marriage contracts from 1886 up to 1996 which were compiled in microfilms and later converted to digitized images stored in hard disk drives. These digitized documents are estimated to contain about 45 million records of over than 100 million individuals.

“This will help a lot in servicing important documents to the people,” said Mayor Lim as he gave his heartfelt gratitude to the people behind this project.

The Mayor said in previous administrations volumes of documents were burned and thrown and only recently Ondoy placed thousands of civil registry documents under floodwater. These were manually dried.

In their digitized forms, the records are now protected from man-made and natural disasters.

As a token of appreciation, Mayor Lim gave the Key to the City to Elder Won Yong Ko of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, symbolizing highest respect. “I hope this key will open your kind hearts to the Filipinos”, said Mayor Lim.

He asked Won how much the project cost but all he got from Won was ”you don’t have to worry about a thing,” Members of The Church of the Latter-day Saints identified this as a priority project and a lot of volunteered helped in it.

Won said the volunteers are willing to digitize the records from 1997 to present as they envision that someday, records of the city are accessible through the internet in the comforts of everyone’s home.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 9, 2010
(Date Received: 02/23/2010)

LIM WANTS WASTE SEGREGATION, ANTI LITTERING AND RECYCLING ADOPTED IN BARANGAYS

Following his attendance of an ecological forum in Thailand recently, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim ordered city executives to strictly implement waste segregation, recycling and the full enforcement of anti littering ordinances at once in the offices and barangays of the city.

Lim told department heads and chiefs of offices Monday morning that he will not settle for anything less than a strict adherence to sound ecological practices and proper solid waste management through segregation at source and recycling.

Lim also told his executives to make sure to sustain the tree planting of fruit bearing trees in all schools, parks, playgrounds and other areas feasible for such purpose.

Lim also asked Department of Public Services Chief Col. Carlos Baltazar and Manila Barangay Bureau chief Atty. Analyn Buan to study and come up with a report immediately on the use of smaller trucks and even push carts to haul some of the city’s garbage every now and then and not to wait for the dump trucks to come and pick up the city’s refuse.

But pending the completion of the study, he asked both heads to ensure that people bring out their garbage on the streets at the scheduled arrival of the trucks and not leave them in the major thoroughfares for stray dogs and cats and even scavengers to scatter.

Lim also said he wants the campaign against smoke belching vehicles strengthened so that residents and transients alike will be spared from noxious fumes.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 8, 2010
(Date Received: 02/23/2010)

LIM WANTS STRICTER ENFORCEMENT OF CURFEW FOR MINORS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim ordered yesterday a stricter enforcement of City Ordinance 8046 imposing curfew for children ages 18 and below from 10 p.m to 4 a.m. to ensure that the youngsters will not fall prey to evil elements.

Lim also urged the full cooperation of parents and barangay officials (from chairmen to the tanods) in enforcing said ordinance.

Lim said with summer break about to begin, it is expected that youngsters will be staying out in the streets longer than usual and they could be victimized by bad elements or be forced to get into rumbles and other disturbing activities that could land them in jail.

He said parents must do their share in preventing their children from staying out of the house after 9 p.m. while tanods and policemen must do their share in making the rounds of the city streets to catch the violating youths and send them in barangay halls or other holding centers while the parents or guardians of the curfew violators are being contacted by the authorities.

He cited a recent news he watched where the youngsters were playing in the streets and ultimately found themselves in a brawl with their older brothers joining the fray.

Offenders the strict implementation of a curfew ordinance that bans minors from hanging around the streets from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Lim said that with the school season about to end, he expects students will have more time going out with friends.

“It is therefore not remote that these kids will also stay out on the streets even during unholy hours and inevitably expose themselves to the dangers lurking in the night,” he noted.

The mayor cited as example a recent incident caught on television where a group of playing youngsters ended up brawling with their older brothers joining the fray. Though the incident did not happen in Manila, Lim said its chance of taking place in the city is not remote.

The mayor said an offender who is homeless, abandoned or neglected, or has no known parent or relative will be referred to the custody of the Manila Youth Reception Center or the city hall’s social welfare department.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 6, 2010
(Date Received: 02/23/2010)

LIM SWITCHES ON STREET LIGHTS AT ANDALUCIA STREET

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led the ceremonial lighting of Alfonso Mendoza, formerly known as Andalucia Street, stretching from V. Fugoso to A.H. Lacson Friday evening.

City Electrician Ernesto Cuyugan said Andalucia lighting is the 21st street lighting project since Mayor Lim took over the helm in 2007.

Cuyugan said about 30 lamp posts were perfectly installed in the center aisle for the whole stretch of the street having a quadruple type that would illuminate both sides of the street.

The newly- inaugurated street lights reached the international standard road lighting having a total of 4,000 watts per post of illumination and a high standard of sodium.

“It is economical and at the same time has high level of brightness,” Cuyugan stated.

Cuyugan said he projects that the impact of the street lighting project will be measurable and visible in the next three years covering Manila with brightness and experience international standard of brightness.

Major streets like P. Burgos, Quirino Avenue, Lacson Avenue and some areas in Binondo will also be brightened up in time for the celebration of the Chinese New Year on Feb. 14, Cuyugan said.

Present during the street lighting were Manila Vice-Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, 3rd district Councilors Yul Servo, Jong Isip, former Councilor Re Fugoso and Barangay Chairman Thelma Lim.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 6, 2010
(Date Received: 02/23/2010)

LIM SHRUGS OFF HIS CRITICS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, by ceremonially switching on the street lights of A. Mendoza St. (formerly Andalucia Street), showed Manilans his guiding principle on governance: to stay focused in delivering services that would better the lives of his constituency.

In fact, in a short message during the lighting, Lim said: "kung maligaya sila (his detractors) manira ng kapwa, ituloy na lang nila. Pero ako, magtatrabaho lang." (If they are happy destroying people, let them be. As for me, I will stay focused in doing my job).

Lim said he learned from his grandparents the value of serving people and "not harming one's neighbors but help them in whatever way you can."

This, he said, is what guided him from his early days in government until now.

Foremost in Lim's principle of service is providing ample healthcare to Manilans, especially the indigents by putting up one hospital per district.

When the Mayor bows out and runs for re-election in May, he shall have fulfilled his dream with the operation of all six district hospitals.

Not only that, the Mayor said, he is making sure that adequate supply of medicines will be made available to the indigents and that they will not be made to pay for their check ups, diagnostic laboratory examinations and confinements in any of the city hospitals.

Under his first mayorship ending in 1998, the Mayor left four hospitals namely Ospital ng Sampaloc (District 4), Ospital ng Tondo(District 1), Gat Andres Memorial Medical Center(District 2) and he renovated the Ospital ng Maynila (District 5).

Now during his first term under his second mayorship, Lim augmented this with the 4-story Jose Abad Santos Mother and Child Hospital in District 3 and the soon-to-be-blessed 10-story Pres. Corazon Aquino Hospital in District 6.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 4, 2010
(Date Received: 02/23/2010)

MANILA CELEBRATES 111TH PHIL-AM WAR

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led city officials in celebrating the 111th Philippine American war in Sta. Mesa, Manila where he also took advantage of the occasion to ask local officials, public school teachers and principals and policemen not to engage in electioneering or election fraud because they violate election laws.

“Nanaisin ko pa na matalo sa halalan na hindi nyo ako tinutulungan kaysa naman manalo ako dahil sa pagtulong nyo pero lumabag naman kayo sa batas”, Lim expressed.

Lim asked the teachers present to revive the forgotten values of not to tell a lie, not to steal and not to cheat just like the fallen heroes. “ n gating mga ninuno ay hindi lumabag sa batas. Nilabanan nila ang mga lumabag sa batas (Americans) kung saan niyurakan nila n gating kalayaan at kasarinlan”, Lim added.

Agencies which offered wreaths were National Historical Institute representative Gina Batuhan, Kaanak ng Bayaning Pilipino Inc. Board Member Edgardo Ocampo, Manila Historical and Heritage Commission Vice-Chair Gemma Cruz-Araneta and City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ponciano Menguito.

Araneta gave a short lecture on the Philippine-American war which made the Philippines the first (American) Republic in Asia .

Lim also said that the occasion must remind Filipinos to espouse freedom and honor for the country.

Araneta, who heard the suggestion of Ocampo that Gen. Licerio Geronimo who fought and killed Major Gen. Henry Ware at the Liwasang Bonifacio, formerly Plaza Lawton, urged the Mayor to also give recognition to Geronimo.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 4, 2010
(Date Received: 02/23/2010)

LIM TELLS MPD HEADS TO ACT ON ANONYMOUS MAILS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim started the year’s first command conference discussing an anonymous letter sent to his office as he advised the 11 station commanders of the Manila Police District (MPD) headed by P/Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay not to ignore anonymous letters.

“If there are complaints and there are names written, verify first and take action. If there is no basis at all, in truth and in fact, then put in the trash bins. But if verified true, take action immediately,” Lim said.

“I already told Gen. Magtibay about this and please be reminded of our zero vendor policy.

In early 2009, we mandated zero vendors in side streets-- Monday to Sunday and even holidays.

Now, Monday to Friday we allow them to occupy the sidewalk, but only with a 1 meter by 1 meter stalls. We implement this soft approach on the vendors because they have to earn a living and we have to act the humanitarian way,” he reiterated.

“But Monday to Friday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., vendors are allowed. Weekends and holidays, we allowed them from morning until night. This is so, because a lot of vendors plead that they can’t earn much if they will only sell from the time period we granted.”

Lim also tackled a couple of letters pertaining to jueteng and gambling in Sta. Mesa Manila. He ordered the precinct commanders to be watchful of these complaints and investigate immediately. The letter which he read mentioned about the vast gambling instances in Manila , specifically Tondo.

Lim said that he promised the anti-gambling advocate, Bishop Cruz, that he will campaigns against any form of gambling.

The letter also mentioned that there are personalities, ‘Boy Abang’ and Aga Simbulan, who are linked to former Mayor Lito Atienza’s political party, and another gambling lord linked to Gen. Avelino Razon. Atienza and Razon are both Mayoral aspirants for Manila .

Lim said that Gen. Razon may not be aware of this. He advised the commanders to verify the authenticity and truthfulness of the letter.

The mayor said he is only concerned about the illegal activities and not which political body they belong to.

He reiterated the campaign against all forms of vices. He also reminded them before concluding the meeting not to engage in any form of electioneering such as campaigning for him and more so his opponents.

He also told them to assign a staff or police who will look after news items from the newspapers to be aware of the different complaints of the public.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
January 25, 2010
(Date Received: 02/05/2010)

LIM, NOYNOY LEAD UNVEILING OF CORY MONUMENT

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III led the unveiling of the 15-foot monument for the late president Corazon C. Aquino in commemoration of her 77th birth anniversary this morning at the P. Burgos drive, Roxas Boulevard across Manila Hotel.

In an inspirational speech, Lim said the monument should remind students that President Aquino is the country's living icon of democracy and virtues like equality, fairness and righteousness.

"She's our inspiration for being good, honest, and her exemplary governance must be made a good example and guide for the people especially the public officials," Lim said.

The monument was commissioned by Lim to sculptor Eduardo Castrillo, where Cory flashes the "L" Laban sign with her right hand while holding the 1987 Constitution with her left. The statue is right across a statue of Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., her late husband.

Presidential hopeful Aquino said he hopes the monument will serve as a reminder to all Filipinos about how his mother united all Filipinos after her death last Aug. 1, 2009.

Among those who attended the unveiling were representatives from the National Historical Institute, employees of Manila City Hall and students from various schools and colleges.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
January 21, 2010
(Date Received: 02/05/2010)

MANILA ALLOWS FARMERS' RALLY IN MENDIOLA ON FRIDAY

Presiding on behalf of Manila Mayor Alfredo S.Lim, Chief of Staff Ricardo de Guzman and Manila Police District (MPD) Director P/Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay approved the holding this Friday of a farmers' rally in Mendiola to celebrate the Mendiola massacre.

Around 7,000 farmers belonging to the Kapisanan ng Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and Kilusan Mayo Uno (KMU), de Guzman and Magbitay assured the rallyists that MPD will provide security and assistance for this activity and maintain traffic flow.

Wilfredo Marbella, KMP deputy Secretary-General, said that about 7,000 farmers coming from different provinces will raise their grievances on the widespread land-grabbing, landlessness of peasants and the continuing human rights violations in the countryside and the injustice suffered by the farmers who died in the 80s.

The two reminded the groups not to go beyond the approved time slot to avoid the spray painting on different government and private properties and dispose their garbage properly.

“Sa mga peasants naman, pagtapos na ang programa, tapos na”, Marbella assured MPD. But Magtibay advised Marbella to remind the youths to go home right after the program.

MPD also told groups not to remove the barricade in Mendiola to avoid untoward incidents. The police will be on the side to observe in order to avoid any face-to-face confrontations with the farmers.

Parking for the transportation services of the farmers will be beside the Bustillos Church to avoid heavy traffic along Recto Ave.

Executive Vice-Chair Lito Ustarez of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and Renato Reyes, Secretary-General of Bayan, were present to join Marbella and other police officers were, Magtibay’s Chief of Staff Col. Alejandro Gutierrez Deputy Director for Operations Col. Fidel Posadas, District Intelligence Director Col. Ernesto Fojas, Jr. and other Stationa Commanders.

In the end, both the police and cause-oriented groups shook each others hands for a better understanding and preparations for the forth-coming commemoration of Mendiola Massacre headed by Magtibay and Marbella .

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
January 20, 2010
(Date Received: 02/05/2010)

MANILA LIGHTS UP THE 20TH ROAD UNDER LIM

Manila under Mayor Alfredo S. Lim is lighting up the 20th road in keeping with Lim’s goal of making the city a full-blown city of light.

The Mayor led Tuesday night the lighting of San Marcelino Street (from Padre Faura to Ayala Boulevard ) in Malate, Manila .

Lim tasked City Electrician Engr. Ernesto Cuyugan to take seriously his goal of converting Manila into a City Of Light for the residents to be proud of.

To follow San Marcelino Street lighting are 10 other roads, that when lit up would deter the commission of crimes and help beautify the city.

Being a former policeman, the Mayor considers peace and order a priority concern by ensuring that no dark areas will be conducive enough for criminals to hide in the city.

Besides, the Mayor said lighting adds to the beauty and glamour of a place. A well lighted park or road makes it comfortable for people to walk or socialize in.

“The street lights in Manila are not just decorative. They give real illumination for people to get acquainted with their path and easily recognize those they meet along the road. You can go around and see if we are telling the truth” Cuyugan added

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
January 15, 2010
(Date Received: 02/05/2010)

MINORS RESCUED, BAR CLOSED

Four minors were saved last Wednesday night by a joint rescue operation headed by Jay Dela Fuente, OIC of the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW), District Special Project Unit (DSPU) and District Mobile Police Unit (DMPU), following a complaint filed by a certain Lima Manalon, a resident of 1206 Felix Huertas St., Sta. Cruz, Manila.

The complaint was about the troubling situation of her adopted daughter, Alice (not her real name), a 14 year old minor and employed at Juicy Restaurant Bar located at Tejeron St., San Andres, Manila as Guest Relations Officer (GRO).

Upon further verification, said bar was found employing minors, who served liquor while attending to customers. They were often subjected to sexual abuse as defined under R.A. No. 7610.

On presenting the four minors to Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim Thursday, the Mayor led and personally served the closure of the said bar that employed Guest Relations Officer (GRO) with ages ranging from 14 to 16 years old, a violation of Republic Act No.7610.

“Sumunod po tayo sa batas, h’wag po natin gamitin ‘yung mga menor de edad na mga kabataan sa mga ganitong klaseng hanapbuhay,“ Lim said.

Rescued were Alice and nine other minors, who were taken to the Reception Action Center (RAC) at Arroceros, Malate, Manila, for processing, verification of age and intake assessment. They underwent dental examination, which showed that four females were indeed below 18.

Those confirmed to be adults were later released upon proper presentation of pertinent documents. The rescued minors were taken into custody by MDSW's Dela Fuente.

“After this closure, we will file appropriate criminal charges against this establishment and/or its owners” Dela Fuente said.

Immediately, Lim and Bureau of Permits Director Nelson Alivio and Manila Department of Social Welfare chief Jay dela Fuente handed the permanent closure order to the bar manager.

Press Release
Manila Media Bureau
January 14, 2010
(Date Received: 02/05/2010)

COURT GRANTS TRO FILED BY LIM

The court after due hearing and holding a 2-day continuous trial granted the prayer for temporary restraining order (TRO) commanding the respondents, Police Director Roberto L. Rosales, and Police Chief Superintendent Rodolfo G. Magtibay, to maintain and respect the reshuffle and or reassignment of police station commander in the City of Manila.

The case was brought about because of two general orders issued by Magtibay namely General Order (G.O.) numbers 4 and 6 which were made upon the recommendation of Mayor Lim. This was issued on January 8, 2010.

Surprisingly, on Jan 9, 2010, respondent Magtibay made another reshuffle which was embodied in GO numbers 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 (G.O. # 8-13).

These orders were made by Magtibay allegedly on a text order issued by respondent Rosales, the NCRPO Director.

Mayor Lim went to court and raised the issue, on the legality of G.O. #s 8-13 on the ground that they were issued contrary to R.A. 6975 as amended by R.A. 8551.

The law on the matter, as alleged by Mayor Lim on his complaint maintains that "no reshuffle of station police commanders can be effected in the City of Manila without his concurrence or without clearing the matter with him.

In particular, he cited (National Police Commission) NAPOLCOM circular 2002-11, which provides that the city mayor, particularly in the City of Manila is deputized by the NAPOLCOM as its representative in the choice of the district police commanders in the 11 police stations in the city of Manila.

Mayor Lim took the witness stand and raised not only statutory provisions of law to support his complaints but also raised constitutional provisions wherein he maintains that "civilian authority" over the police is violated when G.O. #s 8-13 were issued, by the district director in obedience to an order issued by General Rosales who is not authorized by any law to conduct such reshuffle.

Mayor Lim asserted that this is one case or one instance wherein the law was used for the wrong reason.

Invoking the mantra of his motto as a public officer, serving as a patrolman in the City of Manila, ending up with the rank of Major General and was immediately appointed as NBI director and becoming a politician thereafter as he ran for Mayor and in 2004 was elected senator, not to mention his stint as a cabinet member serving as DILG secretary, he said that he has to go court to uphold the rule of law.

Judge Felixberto T. Olalia Jr. after receiving evidence on the matter in open court dictated an order directing the responds to cease and desist, from implementing G.O. #s 8-13 which effectively rendered the reshuffle made on January 8, effected by Mayor Lim to protect the rights of the respondents.

Mayor Lim was required by the court to post a bond in the amount of P50,000.00 which is to answer for any damages that the hearing respondent generals may suffer as a result of the issuance of TRO.

Further proceedings as the matter may no longer be necessary as it appear that there are no disputed facts which were not evidenced during the hearing on the preliminary injunction.

The judge intimated, that on the basis of the evidence presented, the parties may just have to file the respective memoranda as the case may be resolved on the merits of the case.

With the Temporary restraining order, the confusion, in the assignment of the station commanders has been put to rest.


Note:
RTC Branch 8
Civil Case 10122770
For: Certiorari, prohibition, injunction with prayer for preliminary injunction and TRO.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
January 7, 2010
(Date Received: 02/05/2010)

ROTARY CLUB TO AWARD 10 OUTSTANDING CITY EMPLOYEE

The Rotary Club of Downtown Manila and the City of Manila entered into a memorandum of agreement on the awarding of ten outstanding city employees for 2010.

The agreement was signed by RCDM president Lucenito N. Tagle and

Signing of Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Manila and the Rotary Club of Downtown Manila represented by its president Lucenito N. Tagle and Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim to honor public servants who render the best service to the people..

The awards is in line with the RCDM's goal of bettering public service delivery and giving recognition for public servants who have shown dedication, sacrifice, selflessness and concern for the city's constituents.

The RCDM proposed to bestow the awards to 10 outstanding employees of the City, which Lim readily accepted and vowed to extend full support for.

Under the MOA, the city shall select, determine and nominate twenty (20) rank and file employees from any of its different departments, bureaus, offices, including the City public elementary and high schools and the City College of Manila and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, based on integrity, performance, loyalty and outstanding achievement.

The city shall submit to the RCDM the nominees with their credentials for its evaluation, selection and approval of the selected employees for the Outstanding City Government Employees of Manila Award for 2010.

It also committed to make available its Bulwagang Villegas on February 12, 2010 as venue for holding the awards, as well as provide all facilities for the program.

The RCDM shall select from the twenty (20) nominees submitted by the City the ten (10) outstanding employees who shall be bestowed and given the award.

The RCDM shall give the awardees the plaque and cash award as it may determined and deem appropriate on the day of the award.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
January 7, 2010
(Date Received: 02/05/2010)

MPD RELEASES TRAFFIC REROUTING SCHEME FOR NAZARENE FIESTA

The City of Manila this morning advised the residents and devotees of the Black Nazarene of the traffic rerouting plan so they can avoid being caught in monstrous jams for the feast of Nazarene on January 9, Saturday.

The image of the Nazarene will be brought to the Quirino Grandstand by afternoon of Friday where it will stay overnight for those who want to hold vigils and novenas in His honor.

The route of the grand procession of the Black Nazarene is from the Quirino Grandstand going to Katigbak Drive, P. Burgos, MacArthur Bridge; Palanca, Estero Cegado, Carriedo, Evangelista, Raon, Quezon Blvd., Globo de Oro, Gunao, Arlegui, Nepomuceno, Aguila, Carcer, Hidalgo, Plaza del Carmen, B. Viejo, G. Puyat, Guzman, Barbosa, Quezon Bridge, and Villalobos through Plaza Miranda going to Quiapo Church.

Motorists are advised to expect heavy traffic in affected areas during the procession of the Black Nazarene. These include the stretch of Roxas Blvd. , Bonifacio Drive , Anda Circle , T.M. Kalaw, Quezon Blvd. , Recto, Palanca, Taft Ave. westbound lane, Lagusnilad, P. Burgos, Villegas, N.A. Lopez, and 25th Street at Port Area.

Police said closure of roads to traffic will take effect prior to the approach of the procession to the areas.

From 5 a.m. onwards, the southbound of Quezon Blvd. from Andalucia, Fugoso to Plaza Miranda and the stretch of Lerma from P. Campa to Quezon Blvd. will be closed to traffic to all types of vehicles.

The rerouting plan directs all vehicles from Quezon City using España to turn right to P. Campa, left to Andalucia, right to Fugoso, and left to Mapua.

All public utility jeepneys and light vehicles coming from España bound for the Port Area are to turn left at Nicanor Reyes, right to Rector, straight to JAS, left to Reina Regente, take Jones Bridge , and right to Magallanes Drive .

Vehicles from northern Manila intending to use the southbound stretch of Bonifacio Drive shall turn right to Roberto Oca St. , left to Delgado, left to Bonifacio Drive or turn right to A. Soriano, to Magallanes Drive , right to P. Burgos, straight to Lagusnilad and to Taft Ave.

All vehicles coming from southern Manila intending to use the northbound stretch of Roxas Blvd. from P. Ocampo to P. Burgos are to turn right at T.M. Kalaw and left to Taft Ave.

Those using northbound stretch of Taft Ave. are to turn right at A. Villegas and right to Quezon Bridge .
Motorists intending to proceed to northern and southern Manila are advised to use the stretch of Lacson to Nagtahan and vice-versa or utilize the stretch of Road 10 to Roxas Blvd.

Buses coming from southern Manila using Taft Avenue will be denied entry from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and they may only go as far as President Quirino and Remedios Street.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
January 4, 2010
(Date Received & Posted: 02/05/2010)

MAYOR LIM TELLS COPS: RESPECT YOUR UNIFORM

From a former head of the Manila Police District to the current force of MPD, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim advised the uniformed cops to "honor your uniform because it will bring you more success and honor."

This as the MPD officers headed by MPD C/Supt. Gen. Rodolfo Magtibay paid a call on the Mayor on the first official working day for 2010 at the City Hall. The Mayor was with Vice Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso.

He warned the cops not to let politicians use them and "get them under their wings in exchange of promises such as promotions and higher positions."

“I don’t want anyone to engage in any form of electioneering. I don’t want you to get involved in politics,” he said.

“What I am now and what I have been I owe to the police force. When I started as patrolman I worked in the headquarters and got involved in investigation and homicide. And during our time, we had individual accomplishments against command accomplishments,” he recalled.

“You must give your loyalty to your position and institution, not to the politician. I know that there are people outside Manila who are giving you orders, but I warn you do not bypass your chief, Gen. Magtibay.”

“ I have high regard and respect for Gen Magtibay. I always give my orders through him and never have I bypassed his authority.”

Lim said: "whether officers or patrolmen, your positions beget big responsibility and the expectations from the public are high. Thus, you must perform your duties to the highest level of people’s expectations. Any officer who errs will be appropriately dealt with and charged not just administratively but they will also be meted with immediate suspension."

“In my time as a police, I have never covered up, never protected, nor did I whitewash any case. The best police is one who arrested even just one criminal or law offender, solved the case and effectively protected the citizens from harm,” Lim explained.
“I’m telling you, the real power is the people," Lim said.

Magtibay led the cops in renewing their commitment to the Mayor and Vice Mayor and to the City residents."Hindi kami manghihinayang na parusahan ang sino mang pulis o tauhan na lalabag sa pulisya," Magtibay said.

He said the cops need not campaign for Lim and Moreno because the tandem will win on the basis of performance.