PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
December 17, 2010

LIM GAVE LOTS TO 75 LANDLESS MANILANS

As part of the city’s activities in celebration of the Christmas season, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim distributed Certificates of Lot Award to 75 landless Manilans at the Bulwagang Villegas in Manila City Hall.

The mayor awarded homelots to 47 deserving beneficiaries from District II (Tondo); 2 from District IV (Sampaloc); 2 from District V (Paco); and 24 from District VI (Pandacan).

This is the 10th time that Mayor Lim awarded homelots to deserving and qualified Manila residents under Manila’s Land-for-the-Landless Program since he became mayor of the city.

To date, a total of 1,366 homelots has been awarded by Mayor Lim to deserving landless families in Manila.

In addition to the expanded land reform program of the city, Mayor Lim also extended the city’s housing thrust by constructing low-cost housing units for the poor and low-income employees of the city.

The almost completed Medium-Rise residential condominium project of the city located in Anakbayan in San Andres will be inaugurated early next year.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
December 15, 2010

MANILA HOSPITAL CELEBRATES 1ST ANNIVERSARY

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning led Manilans in the observance of the 1st
Anniversary celebration of Justice Jose Abad Santos Mother and Child Hospital (JJASMCH) in Binondo, District 3, Manila with a thanksgiving mass.

Together with Manila’s 1st District Councilor Niño de la Cruz, 1st District Councilor Bobby Lim, 5th District Councilor Josie Siscar and JJASMCH Director Teodoro Martin, M.D., the mayor distributed bags of foodstuff to patients confined in the hospital, from ground to the fourth floor of the hospital building.

The humility and compassion exhibited by the mayor, caused some patients to shed tears of joy.

The mayor thanked the hospital director and his staff for operating the hospital very well.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga nanunungkulan dito lalo na kay Director Teddy Martin na sa loob ng isang taon ng pagkakatayo ng ospital na ito ay naging maganda at maayos ang pamamalakad nito,” Mayor Lim.

Likewise, Dr. Martin told the mayor that aside from district 3 residents, patients from nearby cities like Malabon and Navotas also benefited from the medical services offered by the Justice Jose Abad Santos Mother and Child Hospital.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
December 16, 2010

LIM LEADS MANILANS IN ‘SIMBANG GABI’

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led Manilans at dawn today in hearing the first “Simbang Gabi” mass, of the nine-day novena masses, held at the Risen Christ Parish Church, Smokey Mountain Permanent Housing in Balut, Tondo.

Mayor Lim together with city officials heard the first Simbang Gabi mass celebrated by parish priest, Reverend Father Alfredo Sabado in the Risen Christ Chapel. The said dawn mass.was also attended by hundreds of residents of the nearby communities and the Smokey Mountain housing.

The Simbang Gabi novena masses, a celebration of the true meaning and spirit of Christmas, which also signals the beginning of the Christmas season for many Filipinos, starts from December 16 to December 24.

“Simbang Gabi lives on because of you who gather here to celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Let us make this Christmas more meaningful by reaching out to our less privileged neighbors and brothers, and by forgiving and forgetting the mistakes of the past,” said Mayor Lim.

The mayor is happy that despite the hardships and conflicts that ensued in the past months, at times, Manilans remain steadfast in their faith in God.

The nine-day dawn masses is an annual tradition which Mayor Lim observes in nine different churches located in the six districts of Manila, namely: The Risen Christ Chapel, Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, Minor Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz, Most Holy Trinity Parish Church, Manila Cathedral Parish Church, Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish Church, Perpetual Help Parish Church, and, Our Lady of Loreto Parish Church.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
December 14, 2010

MANILA REMEMBERS GEN. EMILIO JACINTO

The Manila city government led by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim will observe the 135TH birth anniversary of General Emilio Jacinto with a wreath-laying ceremony and commemorative program at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at the hero’s monument at the back of the Dambanang Gat Andres Bonifacio, Kartilya side, Taft Avenue, Maynila.

Emilio Jacinto joined the Katipunan when he was 18 years of age, making him the
youngest member of the organization.

He was known as the ‘Brain’ of the Katipunan and the revolution.

Gen. Jacinto wrote the Kartilya ng Katipunan. He also wrote for the newspaper Kalayaan under the pen-name Dimas-ilaw, and was known in the Katipunan as Pingkian.

Because of his writings in the newspaper Kalayaan which he also headed, the Katipuneros numbering 300 members increased to 30,000.

Gen. Jacinto, who was the right hand of Gat Andres Bonifacio, continued the fight
against the Spaniards when Bonifacio died.

Jacinto died at the age of 23 on April 16, 1899 in Majayjay, Laguna.

Relatives and descendants of General Jacinto, officials and representative of KAANAK 1896, Officials and employees of the city government, barangay officials, officials and representatives of non-governmental organizations, the National Historical Commission, the Intramuros Administration, the Manila Department of Education, Culture and Sports superintendent, supervisors, history teachers and students are invited to witness the event.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
December 8, 2010

CITY OF MANILA LAUNCHED ‘JUDICIARY INTERNET ACCESS PROJECT’

The city government of Manila through Mayor Alfredo S. Lim launched this afternoon the ‘Judiciary Internet Access Project’ which is aimed at providing free and unlimited internet access to all Regional Trial Courts and Metropolitan Trial Courts stationed within the City of Manila, including the Office of the Clerk of Court of the Regional Trial Court, the MTC of Manila and the City Prosecutors.

The judiciary internet access will help the judges in accessing the Supreme Court E-Library and other local and international e-Law libraries for purposes of legal research.

The said internet access will greatly help the judges in drafting their decisions and orders and in the speedy disposition of cases.

“Progress and good governance cannot be achieved without keeping abreast of the latest technology that is available to man. Hence the need for the City of Manila to tap all possible resources such as information technology in order to assist the judiciary and the prosecution service in their pursuit to dispense justice with dispatch,” said Mayor Lim.

“That is the reason why we have launched this project as we are aware of the struggles and limitations of our judges and prosecutors and we are sensitive to their needs as after all, they serve the public and the City of Manila ,” Lim added.

Lim thanked the Guest Speaker, Supreme Court Justice Renato C. Corona, for his invaluable assistance in making the project a success and the office of the executive judge of the Regional Trial Court and the Metropolitan Trial Court of Manila, the Office of the City Prosecutor of Manila, and the Management Information System Office of the Supreme Court for all their support.

City officials, RTC and MTC judges, city prosecutors and employees witnessed the launching held at the Bulwagan Villegas in Manila City Hall .

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
December 7, 2010

LIM BUILDS PLAYGROUND IN PAROLA

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning directed Department of Public Services (DPS) head Ret. Col. Carlos Baltazar together with MPD Police Station 11 Superintendent Ferdinand Quirante to clear a sidewalk in Parola 2, Binondo where a playground for the Parola neighborhood children will be built.

A recreational area with modern playground facilities similar to other parks and playground built in other areas in Manila will be put up this time, for Parola 2 children.

Four truckloads of debris, broken chairs, tables, wooden pallets, pushcarts, and confiscated pedicabs were removed and hauled by DPS personnel from the sidewalks and streets in Parola 2.

Meanwhile, the campaign against sidewalk and street obstructions which was initially conducted last November 19, 2010 by the combined team headed by Chief of Staff and Media Bureau head Ricardo E. De Guzman, and composed of the Department of Public Services, City Electrician, City Engineer, and the Manila Department of Social Welfare in Binondo, Divisoria and Malate areas has been further intensified.

Mayor Lim also appeals to the public to do their share in helping the city government in maintaining cleanliness and order in their respective communities.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
November 30, 2010

MANILA COMMEMORATES 147 BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF ANDRES BONIFACIO

Manila under Mayor Alfredo S. Lim always commemorates Andres Bonifacio’s birthday in a grand and meaningful way, Bonifacio was born in Tondo and founded the Katipunan in Manila after Jose Rizal was arrested for establishing “La Liga Filipina.”

Honor Guards from the Philippine Navy led by Lt. Commander Efren Madlangbayan assisted in the wreath-laying ceremonies. The Manila Historical & Heritage Commission presented “Mga Bandila ng Katipunan at Rebolusyon” which described the flags of the Katipunan, the Magdiwang and Magdalo, and the command banners of various Generals who fought for our Independence and were members of Bonifacio’s Katipunan. Some of them were Mariano Llanera, Gregorio del Pilar, Pio del Pilar and Macario Sakay. Students of public high schools in Manila paraded the flags of the Katipunan and the Revolution while the Manila Band played “Alerta Katipunan!” composed by Julio Nakpil, bonifacio’s aide-de-camp.

Mayor Lim exhorted the students and youth in the audience to emulate the shining example of Bonifacio who showed that poverty is not an obstacle to greatness. He reminded public servants to work for the country with zeal and honesty.

The Knights of Rizal sent a delegation. The descendants of Espiridiona Bonifacio Distrito, youngest sister of the Supremo, came in full force and thanked the Mayor for honoring Bonifacio every year.

Students from Bonifacio High School, Araullo, Ramon Magsaysay, Florentino Torres, Jose Abad Santos, Teodora Alonzo, Rajah Soliman, Cayetano Arellano, Juan Nolasco, Mariano Marcos High Schools participated in the parade of flags. Students from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and Universidad de Manila were also present.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
November 26, 2010

MANILA HOLDS SINGING CONTEST FOR CITY EMPLOYEES

To promote the spirit of camaraderie and goodwill, the City government of Manila is conducting a singing contest among its employees starting 5:00 o'clock this afternoon, November 26 at the Kartilya side of the Bonifacio Shrine.

The sing-along contest entitled “SMB Sing Mo Baby Challenge” which is exclusive to all city government employees is being held in cooperation with the San Miguel Brewery, Inc. – West GMA Region.

The contest is composed of two elimination rounds scheduled this 26th of November and on the 3rd of December 2010, respectively.

Ten grand finalists will be chosen to compete for the Grand Finals on December 10, 2010.

The Grand Winner for Manila will represent the city in the upcoming Inter-City Sing Mo Baby Challenge.

The criteria for the contest are: 50% for voice quality; 40% for stage performance; and 10% for audition impact.

Ten grand finalists will receive P1,000 each, while the Grand Winner will receive P5,000 in cash prizes.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
November 25, 2010

GEN. JOSE DE SAN MARTIN IN MANILA

The Manila city government joined the Embassy of Argentina in commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic with a wreath-laying ceremony and unveiling of the monument to Argentina national hero, Gen. Jose Francisco de San Martin, at 9:00 a.m. today, November 25, 2010 at the hero’s monument on Bonifacio Drive corner Padre Burgos Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Argentina’s national hero, Jose Francisco de San Martin is remembered for his role in liberating Argentina, Chile and Peru from Spain. The Order of the Liberator General San Martin is the highest decoration given by Argentina.

Jose Francisco de San Martin’s monument which was previously located at Plaza Azul on President Quirino Avenue in Pandacan and relocated to a more appropriate place at the behest of Ambassador Joaquin Daniel Otero.

The dignitaries present were His Excellency Ambassador Joaquin Daniel Otero, Embassy of the Republic of Argentina, His Excellency Ambassador Jianchao Liu, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Amb. Carlos Arencibia
Corrales Y Sra of Cuba, His Excellency Amb. Luis Arias Romero of Spain, His Excellency Amb. Alcides Gastao Rostand Prates, Embassy of Brazil, His Excellency Amb. Tomas Calvillo, Embassy of Mexico, Monsignor Giorgio Chezza, Charge d’ Affaires, Holy See, and Mr. Michael Ang, Honorary Consul of Jordan.

Chief of Staff and Media Bureau chief Ricardo E. De Guzman, Ms. Gemma Cruz-Araneta, officials, department heads, bureau chiefs and employees of the city government, Ms. Mildred San Martin, descendant of Jose Francisco de San Martin, Department of Foreign Affairs undersecretary Erlinda Basilio, Reservist Technical Seargeant Manuel Santander, school superintendents, principals, teachers and students of Araullo High School, Manila High School, Ramon Magsaysay High School, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila witnessed the event.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
November 19, 2010

MANILA CLEARS SIDEWALKS OF VENDORS, OBSTRUCTIONS

In line with Mayor Alfredo S. Lim’s renewed campaign against all forms of illegal vices, illegal vendors, and sidewalk and road obstructions, the city of Manila officials conducted this morning, November 19, 2010, a massive sidewalk and street- clearing operation along Claro M. Recto Avenue, Juan Luna, Ilaya, Tabora, and Sto. Cristo streets in Binondo and Divisoria.

Illegal electrical connections and wirings utilized by the sidewalk vendors for their trade were pulled out and disconnected by the city electrician while obstructions beyond the allowed stall size were removed during the operation,

Chief of Staff and Media Bureau Chief Ricardo E. De Guzman together with team members namely: Manila Complaint and Action Team (MCAT) Col. Franklin Gacutan, City Electrician Engr. Ernesto Cuyugan, Department of Public Services (DPS) Col. Carlos Baltazar, Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau operations in charge and City Security Force chief, Major Nicolas Amparo, PNP-MPD Police Station 11 superintendent Ferdinand Quirante, P/Stn 2 OIC, Major Daniel Buyao, and Major Reynaldo Nava of the MPD Traffic Enforcement Group conducted the said sidewalk and street clearing operation.

The city of Manila ’s policy that all streets must be `zero-vendor’ was strictly observed and enforced. Vendors were allowed to sell their commodities on designated sidewalks provided that the areas they occupy do not exceed the prescribed one-by-one meter stall size, and the stalls do not have sidings or roofing. The vendors should also bring home their merchandise after vending hours.

The presence of obstructions in sidewalks, roads and thoroughfares destroys the physical appearance of the city and contributes significantly to traffic congestion.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
November 12, 2010

MOTORIZED ANTI-STREET CRIME OPERATIVES (MASCO) and TASK FORCE DRAGON (TFD) LAUNCHED BY LIM

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday graced the launching of the motorized anti-street crime operatives (MASCO) and the Task Force Dragon (TFD) at the Manila Police District Station 11 with a call for the police to establish good relations with the citizens in their jurisdiction.

Also present in the affair were MPD Director Gen. Roberto Rongavilla and deputy director Col. Alex Gutierrez, NCRPO chief Gen.Nicanor Bartolome, third district Congresswoman Naida Angping and the station commanders led by Col. Ernesto Tendero, Jr., who is chief of the Meisic Police Station 11 where the launch was held.

In his speech, Lim congratulated and thanked Bartolome for having chosen Manila as the venue for the said launching of the twin projects.

Lim stressed the importance of establishing close contact with the residents, saying that at least 90 percent of crimes can be solved through tipped information from ordinary citizens.

“Tandaan ninyo, ang malalaking asunto, walang makapagbibigay ng tip sa inyo kundi ang mamamayan din mismo,” he said.

The mayor added: “How will the people volunteer information if you don’t know them or they don’t know you?”

Lim also recalled that he was a beat policeman patrolling the Meisic area on foot, he knew nearly all the people living in the area and made a lot of friends and thus established tipsters.

During those days, Lim said the cops are able to make real good contact with the people, so that the mere sight of a uniformed policeman on foot patrol readily created peace of mind on the part of the residents and even passersby.

He stressed the importance of making the ordinary people feel assured that the police is not their enemy, but their friend and protector.

Meanwhile, Rongavilla said the TFD is a combination of different units of the police whose purpose is to combat all kinds of crimes.

The MASCO, on the other hand, was created to counter swift criminal elements that use motorcycles as their get away vehicles when perpetrating crimes.

For her part, Angping welcomed the development with the onset of the Christmas season.

The creation of the said groups, Angping said, is very timely, considering that crimes such as snatching holdup and robbery usually increase during this time of the year.

“We value and need you,” Angping told the police, as she thanked them for choosing the third district as the venue of the MASCO and TFD launching.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
November 11, 2010

LIM GIVES MANILANS FREE SCREENING OF PACQUIAO-MARGARITO FIGHT

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim will give its residents free screening of the much-anticipated boxing fight between Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito for the Super Welterweight Championship at Cowboys Stadium in Texas , USA. The live telecast will be at 8 a.m. this Sunday, November 14, 2010 at Manila's sports complexes in Districts I to VI.

Chief of Staff to the Mayor and Media Bureau chief Ricardo De Guzman said the live telecast of the fight will be shown in the following sports centers located in the six districts of Manila: Tondo Sports Complex (near Tondo Church) District I, Patricia Sports Complex (Flora Street, Gagalangin, Tondo) District II, Rasac Covered Court (Alvarez Street corner Rizal Avenue) District III, Dapitan Sports Complex (Instruccion Street, Sampaloc) District IV, San Andres Sports Complex (San Andres Street, Malate) District V and Teresa Covered Court (Teresa Street, Sta. Mesa) District VI.

Lim ordered that large screens be installed in said sports complexes to provide the residents with a good view of the fight.

The mayor also ordered that complimentary tickets be given to residents on a first come, first served basis through the barangay halls located in Manila’s six districts.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
November 10, 2010

LIM DESTROYS LARGE VOLUME OF PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIALS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning destroyed a large volume of pornographic materials such as movies, posters, magazines, sex toys and accessories confiscated from vendors in some areas of the city. Lim said he will never tolerate the production and selling of pornographic materials in the city in his term.

“We have the responsibility to protect our youth from pornography and teach them good moral standards so they will become decent and responsible citizens in the future,” Lim said

“Pornographic materials corrupt and destroy the minds of our children,” Lim added.

The Mayor’s Complaint Action Team led by Col. Franklin Gacutan, together with members of the Manila Police District (MPD) police force confiscated an estimated 25,000 pieces of pornographic posters, VCDs DVDs, assorted sex magazines,

sex toys and accessories.

Most of the pornographic materials seized by the MPD police are being sold by unscrupulous traders, mostly in Quiapo and Sta. Cruz areas.

City officials, department heads and employees witnessed the shredding and burning of the confiscated pornographic materials held at Bonifacio shrine beside Manila City Hall.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
November 6, 2010

LIM LAUNCHES ALL-OUT WAR AGAINST CRIMINAL ELEMENTS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday launched an all-out war against criminal elements engaging in robbery, theft, snatching and holdup activities through simultaneous operations conducted in Malate and Tondo before dawn yesterday.

Accompanied by Manila Police District Director Chief Supt. Roberto Rongavilla and deputy director Senior Supt. Alex Gutierrez, the mayor personally talked to the men who were rounded up, consisting of standbys and vagrants who were found lurking in the dark portions of the said areas.

Lim ordered the said operations at the corner of Leveriza and P. Ocampo Streets under Station 9 after receiving a letter signed by hundreds of foreign and local students and residents within the vicinity complaining of rampant snatching, theft, holdup, harassment and armed robberies there.

The signatories particularly cited the case of one Jie Lan, a Chinese national and student of Wesleyan College of Manila, whom they said was stabbed and seriously injured last October 19 by a group of robbers in front of the Zafra Motors shop.

“These criminals lurking or living in the vicinity of Zafra Motors have emboldened themselves by acting in groups and using streetchildren to carry out their criminal activities even in broad daylight,” the letter said. The chairman under whose jurisdiction the said area falls was identified as Atoy Osmena.

The signatories added: “We believe in your capacity to restore and maintain peace and order...in your authority to curb criminal activities by upholding the rule of law.”

From there, the mayor proceeded to Tondo also as a response to similar complaints taking place particularly along R-10 Before this, Lim’s office received complaints that the said criminal elements even climb and steal from trucks carrying various kinds of merchandise, rob commuters and even vehicles whose windows are open.

Of the over 100 who were rounded up in both areas, Lim ordered the release of those who have been verified to be legitimate workers and students.

Those left behind who were found to be non-residents in the area or do not have any business being there have been brought to the headquarters for verification purposes.

Gutierrez said the verification is made to find out if any of them is wanted by authorities, has jumped bail or has a pending warrant of arrest. Meanwhile, Lim told Rongavilla to ensure that the necessary police visibility is provided in the said areas to deter criminal elements from operating there.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
November 4, 2010

ECO-FRIENDLY PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR MANILA

The city government of Manila is set to acquire 20 units of eco-friendly 21-passenger electric vehicles to be operated as public transport vehicles to provide Manilans with cheaper means of transportation.

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim together with key officials of the city took a ride along Manila’s streets on board the said vehicle for the demonstration and briefing of the technical specifications of the same by Engr. Youssef Z. Ahmad, coordinator between the city and the technology owner, ECOS Environmental Foundation secretary general Mr. Syuichi Tajima, and some TESDA staff.

Since said eco-friendly vehicles are run by electricity through rechargeable batteries instead of gasoline, diesel or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), said vehicles do not give off carbon dioxide.

With fully-charged batteries, each vehicle has a maximum continuous mileage of 100 kilometers at P0.50 energy consumption per kilometer, a lot cheaper than a diesel-fuelled vehicle with energy consumption of P7.00 per kilometer.

Mayor Lim is optimistic that the city’s acquisition of these eco-friendly vehicles for public transport in Manila will lessen the air pollution and warm temperature caused by carbon dioxide emissions and heating elements by other motorized vehicles.

Mr. Ricardo E. De Guzman, Chief of Staff and concurrent Media Bureau chief, Mr. Roland Lim, and Major Nicolas M. Amparo, City Security Force chief joined Mayor Lim on board the 21-passenger electric vehicle during the demo.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
November 3, 2010

LIM FETES NEWLY-ELECTED BARANGAY CHAIRMEN

Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday called on newly-elected barangay chairmen in the city not to waste the trust and mandate given to them by their constituents.

In a luncheon hosted by the mayor for the third, fifth and sixth district barangay chairmen at the President Grand Palace Restaurant on Ongpin Street, he also called on them to give importance to their barangay councilmen or kagawad and not to take them for granted.

“Bigyan ninyo ng pagpapahalaga ang tiwalang ibinigay sa inyo. Pag sinunod ninyo ang inyong panunumpa, hindi kayo maliligaw,” Lim said.

During the said affair, Lim distributed recognition awards to chairmen who ran unopposed or clinched their term for the third time, as what he did last week when he also feted the barangay chairmen from the first, second and fourth districts. The mayor was assisted by his son Roland, chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman, Liga ng mga Barangay president Councilor Philip Lacuna, barangay bureau director Atty. Analyn Buan and Councilors Josie Siscar (fifth district) and Beth Rivera and Lou Veloso (6th district).

Meantime, the mayor reminded the chairmen that the funds allotted to their respective barangays, called the internal revenue allotment or IRA, must be used properly.

“Hindi sa nakikialam tayo, pero lahat ng perang tinatanggap ninyo ay pera ng bayan kaya sana ay gamitin natin ito sa mga makabuluhang proyekto na pakikinabangan ng higit na nakararaming nangangailangan,” he said.

Lim went on to introduce the station commanders present, among them Col. Ernesto Tendero, Jr. (Station 11), Col. James Afalla (Station 3), Col. Frumencio Bernal (Station 5), Col. Francisco Gabriel, Jr. (Station 9), and Col. Felipe Cazon, Jr. (Station 8), as he told the barangay chairpersons present to have constant and close coordination with the police so that any problem arising in their areas of jurisdiction may be immediately addressed.

“Pag may nai-report na pangyayari sa inyong lugar, kailangan ay maaksyunan ito kaagad. Kung ayaw kaagad kumilos ng pulis, dapat ay commander ang mismong makausap ninyo because they are the ones who will give the orders based on your report,” the mayor told the barangay chairmen.

The mayor likewise gave the assurance that his office is always open to serve and help the barangays in whatever way possible.

He said that for him, politics should end once elections are over.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
November 3, 2010

MANILA SUPPORTS CYCLISTS’ BIKE CARAVAN AND 'KILOS KABATAAN PARA SA KALIKASAN'

The city government of Manila led by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim welcomes and supports the ‘Bike Caravan,’ a 100-mile bike ride by thousands of cycling advocates through Manila and 16 other Metro Manila cities and municipalities on Sunday, November 7, 2010.

The annual ‘century bike ride’ activity will be held in celebration of Araw ng Siklista and aims to promote cycling as sustainable mode of transport, support the Clean Air Act, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and raise awareness in keeping the environment clean.

The bike caravan will be composed of members of the Cycling Advocates (CYCAD) and cycling enthusiasts from Metro Manila and its neighboring cities and municipalities.

Simultaneously, Manila ’s Youth Development and Welfare Bureau will be conducting environment-oriented activities among the city’s youth such as Mass Aerobics, Tree Planting, and On-the-Spot Drawing Contest with the theme: ‘Kilos Kabataan para sa Kalikasan.’

Said activities are set up to enhance the awareness and responsiveness of Manila's youth to issues relating to environment protection and preservation. The activities will be held at the Kartilya ng Katipunan, beside Manila City Hall from 7 a.m. to 12 noon on November 7, Sunday.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 29, 2010

LIM DISTRIBUTES 50 UNITS NEGO-KARTS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim distributed 50 units of NEGO-KARTS at the City College of Manila this morning under the Nego-Kart project which is jointly sponsored by the City of Manila, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Labor and Employment.

A Nego-Kart is a rolling store cart attached to a bike and furnished with kerosene fuelled-stove, a wok, supply of sauces, packs of fish balls, kikiam, squid balls and hotdogs ready for cooking and vending.

A total of 50 deserving recipients coming from poor families from Manila’s six districts were given the Nego-Kart worth P11,700.00 each, according to Manila Department of Social Welfare head Jay dela Fuente.

Mayor Lim told the recipients to take good care of their nego-kart which will be their source of income and try to expand their livelihood for the benefit of their families.

The mayor also informed the recipients that the Nego-kart is a project of President
Noynoy Aquino to help provide livelihood to poor families.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 29, 2010

MANILA REMEMBERS GENERAL ANTONIO LUNA

The Manila city government led by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim will observe the 144TH birth anniversary of General Antonio Luna with a wreath-laying ceremony and commemorative program at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, October 29, 2010 at the hero’s monument along Urbiztondo Street, Binondo, Manila.

Antonio Luna was a patriot, soldier, journalist and scientist. Luna wrote the famous article entitled "El Hematozoario Paludismo" which was acclaimed by the leading bacteriologists of the European scientific community.

He was the first Filipino pharmacist and a general who fought in the Philippine-American war.

Antonio Luna studied the art of military tactics and strategy under General Gerard Leman, Belgian general of the Siege of Leige.

In February 1899, General Antonio Luna was appointed Chief of War Operations with the rank of Brigadier General. He saw the need for a military school so a military academy was created at Malolos. Veteran officers of the 1896 revolution were recruited and among them were Manuel Sityar and Jose Torres Bugallon.

General Luna was later assassinated. The death of General Luna, the most brilliant and capable of the Filipino generals, was a decisive factor in the fight against the American forces.

Relatives and descendants of General Luna, officials and employees of the city government, barangay officials, officials and representatives of non-governmental organizations, the National Historical Commission, the Intramuros Administration, the Manila Department of Education, Culture and Sports superintendent, supervisors, history teachers and students are invited to witness the event.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 28, 2010

LIM LAUNCHES CLEANING OF PARKS AND PLAZAS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday launched a clean-up drive on all public parks and plazas in the city, with a call on residents to do their share by helping the local government maintain them.

Assisted by his chief of staff Ric de Guzman, parks and recreations bureau chief Engr. Deng Manimbo, city engineer Armand Andres and Manila Historical Commission head Gemma Araneta, the mayor personally led the clean-up operations at the Plaza Salamanca on Taft Avenue and then Plaza Ferguson in front of the US Embassy, with an instruction to Manimbo and Manila Police District Station 5 Commander Col. Frumencio Bernal to maintain orderliness in the area and assign caretakers for the protection of the promenaders.

Lim also told Andres to put additional lights in the said plazas and ensure that they will not be used by vagrants as squatting areas as this defeat the purpose for which plazas and parks are built, which is to serve as recreational areas for the public.

The children who were rounded up at the said plaza were ordered by De Guzman to be brought to the reception and action center headed by social welfare chief Jay dela Fuente, where they can be housed and taken care of. At the Plaza Ferguson, Lim was met by chairman Noli Mendoza, who kissed the mayor’s hand and in turn was congratulated by Lim.

“Sabi ko nga sa kalaban ko, huwag gagayahin si Atienza. Pag talo, talo,” Mendoza, who said his victory is still being contested by his opponent during last Monday’s elections, told Lim.

Mendoza also pledged P3 million of his barangay’s earnings for the city’s programs concerning the rehabilitation of parks and plazas.

Meanwhile, Lim appealed to the public to help the city in maintaining the said parks and plazas, lamenting that even the marker placed at the Plaza Salamanca had been stolen, reportedly two years ago by vagrants who use the place as their sleeping quarters.

The said plaza, according to Araneta, was created in honor of Dr. Olivia Salamanca, who is one of the country’s first lady doctors.

It was learned from Manimbo that Plaza Salamanca is one of the city’s three freedom parks where rallies and demonstrations are allowed to be held, the other two being the Liwasang Bonifacio in Lawton and the Plaza Miranda in Quiapo.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 26, 2010

MANILA ADOPTS DSW FOOT PATROL

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim yesterday announced that starting November 2, the city’s department of social welfare (DSW) will be adopting a `DSW foot patrol’ system in order to closely monitor establishments whose operations violate certain ordinances involving minors.

In his directive to DSW chief Jay dela Fuente, the mayor stressed the need to look after the children and fully implement the provisions of Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile System Act, particularly those concerning child welfare and protection.

The project, Lim said, is the first of its kind and will cover the entire city and all ordinances pertaining to youngsters.

It was learned from Dela Fuente that the concept came about after his office, acting on complaints, found that a lot of establishments operate in violation of certain laws that concern children, such as bars, theatres, malls, arcades and computer shops where students are allowed to while their time away during school hours, some even engaging in prostitution.

Initially, the focus of the said `foot patrol’ system will be the university belt area as well as establishments located within school vicinities, noting that some of the said establishments even serve as pimps, based on information received by the DSW.

Dela Fuente said social workers will be deployed to conduct the necessary monitoring of target establishments and then make the recommendations on which the DSW will be basing its actions.

It was learned from Dela Fuente that the DSW had been having its hands full acting on complaints from concerned parents regarding the existence and operation of establishments where students or even out-of-school youths are allowed to play computers, standby or even drink liquor during school hours.

“These are perennial problems that need to be addressed with a different approach,” Dela Fuente said.

He added that the new project will also serve as a way of tracking down establishments which may have some defects in their permits or documentation regarding the legitimacy of their operation.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 25, 2010

LIM SIGNS MOA WITH NPC

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim has signed an agreement allowing the National Press Club to hold its masteral program at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM).

This, after Lim, PLM acting president Atty. Rafaelito Garayblas, NPC president Jerry Yap, Dean Neri Pescadera and NPC vice president Marlon Purificacion signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that will allow the NPC to hold its Master in Government Management-Executive Special Program (MGM-ESP) at the PLM.

The course is open to all media practitioners and department heads of all government agencies, Purificacion said during his meeting with Lim and Garyblas at City Hall.

“This is the continuation program of PLM Off-Campus signed by the NPC and the PLM recently for undergraduate media practitioners who want to pursue and finish their course in order to attain a Bachelor in Public Administration (BPA),” he said.

The BPA Off-Campus program is also open to all college graduate media practitioners who want to take up a course in public administration. The classes of MCM and BPA are being held every Saturday at the NPC building in Intramuros, Manila.

The BPA-NPC classes are using the restaurant of the NPC at the 4th floor of the building as their classroom, while the MGM-Batch NPC is using the former boardroom of the NPC building also in the 4th floor.

Purificacion, as coordinator of MGM and BPA, said the baccalaureate and masteral courses that are being offered at the NPC is a display how the leadership of NPC wants to professionalize the media sector.

"Pagpapakita ito na hindi 'hao-shiao' ang industriya ng pamamahayag. Pagpapakita ito kung gaano tayo ka-responsable sa larangan ng ating trabaho. Importante ang edukasyon dahil ang mamamahayag ang nagbibigay ng impormasyon sa taong bayan," said Purificacion.

Purificacion said studying public administration with specialization in government management is also vital for media practitioners because through this course, members of the fourth estate will understand the real wisdom of bureaucracy, good governance, transparency, public accountability, ethics, efficiency and effectiveness of every public servant in the country.

Under the MGM-ESP course, the student will get a masteral degree in one year- no thesis required- but will also undergo rigid study as required by the PLM management standards. Among the modules of the MGM-ESP course are Research Methods, Foundation of Public Administration and Management, Policy and Program Administration, Organizational Behavior, Philippine Government Administration, Public Fiscal Admin and Management, Human Resource Development, Policy Research and Case Study, Philippine National Development, Urban and Metropolitan Administration and Development, Comparative Local Politics, Special Problem in Governmental Organization and Management.

The NPC will celebrate its 58th anniversary this coming Friday, October 28. Mayor Lim and Communication Secretary Sonny Coloma are the guests of honor.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 24, 2010

LIM’S SON DENIES DONATING CAMPAIGN T-SHIRTS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim’s son Roland yesterday said that just like his father, he too has nothing to do with the campaign t-shirts that were distributed in Quiapo by certain candidates for the barangay elections and which bore his and the mayor’s names as the supposed donors.

Roland Lim said he has not consented to any requests for his or his father’s name to be used in any campaign paraphernalis for the barangay elections, moreso by those identified with their political opponents.

Roland’s statement came after a group of concerned resident trooped to City Hall Friday afternoon, bringing with them samples of t-shirts allegedly distributed by the group of chairman Ateng Alonzo, a known associate of ex-secretary Lito Atienza. The said yellow t-shirts had the words “`Pat’ Patrick Montilla for Kagawad’ in front and then the words ‘Donated by Mayor Fred Lim Roland Lim’ at the back and were given away during a campaign sortie in Barangay 307 in Quiapo.

The mayor’s son said he did not and does not intend to donate campaign materials of any sort to anyone.

“It is also highly illogical to even think that I will be donating campaign t-shirts to a candidate I hardly know and running in the third district. I live and previously ran in the first district of Tondo,” he stressed.

He added: “Ano kinalaman ko sa Quiapo? At kung magdo-donate man ako, bakit naman sa kalaban?”

According to Roland, Montilla has already apologized to him for all the trouble he had caused.

It was learned that Roland met Montilla during the campaign period when a common friend of theirs brought Montilla to Lim’s headquarters and introduced him to Roland.

Earlier on, Lim himself issued a sworn statement to categorically deny having anything to do with the said t-shirts.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 23, 2010

MANILA HOLDS MEDICAL MISSIONS

Thousands of residents from Sampaloc and Tambunting in Sta. Cruz received free medical treatment and medicines in separate medical missions simultaneously conducted yesterday by Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim.

In Barangay 420 Zone 43 in Sampaloc, Lim, accompanied by The Daily Tribune reporter Pat Santos who is running for barangay chairman in the area, also personally delivered a brand new wheelchair to a young resident who has been rendered immobile by illness for quite sometime now.

Santos meanwhile thanked the mayor for the conduct of a medical mission which was made possible after he (Santos) reported to Lim that there are a lot of residents needing immediate treatment and medicines in their area but cannot afford them.

While Lim has built one hospital offering free treatment for each of the city’s six districts, Santos said there are some who cannot leave home either because they lack the money to spend on fare or cannot leave their children alone in their respective homes, so that bringing the doctors right in the barangay gave such residents the opportunity to avail of free treatment and medicines.

The mayor likewise personally donated in the Tambunting area a wheelchair to a needy resident, whose need for such wheelchair was referred to Lim by Liza Galpo, a candidate for barangay chairman in Barangay 375 Zone 38.

Galpo, it was learned, had long been active in assisting the needy residents in the said area, especially those in need of immediate medical attention but do not have the money to spend on medication.

In both medical missions, Lim advised the residents to have themselves checked by the doctors in the city-owned hospitals the moment they feel something unusual, stressing that the treatment is free.

Aside from the free medicines and treatment, the medical missions also provided the residents with free haircut, blood pressure check, immunization and weight check for children who were likewise given free vitamins.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 23, 2010

DIRTY TACTICS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday deplored dirty tactics being employed apparently by his political opponents in view of the forthcoming barangay elections.

In a sworn statement, Lim said that some unscrupulous candidates have resorted to making it appear that he (Lim) is supporting them, to the point of violating election rules.

Lim said that t-shirts bearing the words “`Pat’ Patrick Montilla for Kagawad’ in front and then the words ‘Donated by Mayor Fred Lim Roland Lim’ at the back were distributed in Barangay 307 recently by a candidate for barangay chairman who is identified with ex-mayor Lito Atienza.

“These shirts contain false statement that I donated them, since there were made without my authority, consent and permission. These are deemed unlawful form of propaganda designed to mislead the voters into believing that I have supported them by donating such t-shirts,” Lim stated in his signed statement.

He added: “I have not donated any propaganda or campaign materials nor caused my name to be printed in any propaganda material either as a donor, endorser or supporter of said candidate.”

Lim also said that those responsible are liable for prosecution for violation of the Election Code for engaging in fraudulent schemes in their campaign.

Prior to this, a group of residents led by one Alex Perez went to the office of Atty. Renato dela Cruz to complain about the matter.

Perez told Dela Cruz that they got hold of the t-shirts which were given away by the group of one Ateng Alonzo, who is running for chairman in the said barangay, hen he campaigned in the area recently, along with his candidates for councilmen or kagawad.

Dela Cruz said the residents led by Perez noticed the wordings and brought the matter to the attention of Lim, knowing fully well that Alonzo and his group are identified with Atienza. Barangay 307 covers the areas of Evangelista, Raon, Avenida and Carriedo in the city’s third district.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 22, 2010

MANILA COMMEMORATES THE 153RD BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF JUAN LUNA

The Manila city government led by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim will observe the 153rd anniversary of Juan Luna with a wreath-laying ceremony and commemorative program at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at the hero’s monument along P. Burgos Street in Intramuros, Manila.

Juan Luna, a great painter and revolutionary, made history with his brush where his contemporaries attained glory with their pens and swords. Lured by the sea, Juan Luna studied navigation in a nautical school and became a sailor.

After several voyages, Luna gave up sailing and studied painting at the Academy of Fine Arts under Don Lorenzo Guerrero, a well-known Filipino painter. In 1877, Juan Luna went to Spain and entered the famous Academy of Fine Arts in Madrid.

Juan Luna’s Spoliarium painting submitted to the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in 1884, garnered the gold medal. His painting, the Battle of Lepanto won the first prize (Gold Medal) in the Exposition of 1888.

Among Luna’s other notable paintings were Las Damas Romanas, Filipinas, Peuple et Roi, Vanidad, Inocencia, and El Pacto de Sangre (The Blood Compact). Depicted in this piece, which also won first prize (Gold Medal) in Paris in 1885, was the blood compact ceremony between Datu Sikatuna, one of the lords in Bohol island, and the Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi.

Relatives and descendants of Juan Luna, officials and employees of the city government, barangay officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations, school supervisors, history teachers and students are invited to witness the event.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 20, 2010

LIM MEETS DOJ SECRETARY DELIMA

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim unexpectedly met DOJ Secretary and Incident Investigation and Review Committee (IIRC) chairman Leila Delima this morning, October 20, at the Manila Pavilion Hotel.

Lim was delivering his welcome address at the 10th National Convention and Seminar of the First Level Clerks of Court Association of the Philippines when Delima entered the convention hall.

After his welcome address, the mayor who noticed Secretary Delima among the speakers proceeded to greet her.

Meanwhile, Mayor Lim and Secretary Delima’s meeting delighted the guests and participants, there was so much laughter and hooting around when the former shook the latter’s hands.

Delima thanked Mayor Lim for the warm welcome.

Likewise, Lim conveyed his apology to Delima that he did not notice her arrival immediately. Lim was delivering his welcome address when the DOJ secretary arrived.

Delima, who was representing President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino as guest speaker, explained that it was her first occasion to be with the mayor after what she described as “. . . you know what.”

“But I know that he (Mayor Lim) is and always been an officer and a gentleman,” Delima added.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 20, 2010

SPRUCE UP KINS’ TOMBS EARLY, MANILANS TOLD

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim’s chief of staff and Media Bureau chief Ricardo E. De Guzman urges Manilans to start early in sprucing up their relatives’ tombs and niches in the Manila North and South cemeteries in preparation for the forthcoming All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day celebration.

The Manila North Cemetery will allow cleaning of the tombs and niches until October 30, 2010, while vehicles will only be allowed to enter the cemetery premises until midnight of October 29.

While the cemetery will be closed to interment services starting October 28, 2010, Manila North Cemetery officer-in-charge Edgardo V. Noriega said that burial services will resume again on November 3.

Meanwhile, the Manila South Cemetery will permit sprucing up of niches and tombs until October 28 and allow vehicles inside the cemetery until October 29, 2010.

According to Manila South Cemetery officer-in-charge, Engr. Henry Dee, the cemetery will be closed to burial services on October 28 and resume said services on November 3, 2010.

The public are advised to refrain from bringing alcoholic drinks, bladed weapons and engaging in gambling inside the cemeteries.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 18, 2010

LIM CONVENED MANILA PEACE AND ORDER COUNCIL

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim recently convened the Peace and Order Council of Manila (PCOM) to discuss major issues and problems affecting peace and order in the City of Manila.

The Council will hold its regular meeting every first Tuesday of the month. In case of emergency or urgent need, special meetings shall be conducted upon instruction of the chairman.

Among its duties and functions are: provide a forum for dialogue and deliberation of major issues and problems affecting peace and order, including insurgency; recommend measures which will improve or enhance peace and order and public safety in their respective areas of responsibility, including anti-insurgency measures; recommend measures to converge and orchestrate internal security operation efforts of civil authorities and agencies, military and police; apply moral suasion to and/or recommend sanctions against local chief executives who are giving material and political support to the Communist rebels; monitor the provision of livelihood and infrastructure development programs and projects in the remote rural and indigenous population areas adopted to isolate them from the Communist rebels’ “Agitate/Arouse Organize and Mobilize” and ideological, political and organizational works; and, perform such other functions assigned by law, the President and the National Peace and Order Council.

At yesterday’s meeting, the Council discussed the present peace and order situation in the City of Manila; the contingency plans for the forthcoming synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan election on October 25, 2010; and the contingency plans for the observance of the All Saints Day and All Souls’ Day celebration on November 1, 2010.

The 28-member Peace and Order Council of Manila is composed of Mayor Lim as chairman, Vice Mayor Isko Moreno as Vice-chairman and other city officials and department heads as members.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 14, 2010

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday said that in all instances, the dignity of our nation should be upheld at all times.

Lim made the pronouncement at the `Broadcasters’ Forum’ amid reports that the Hongkong government is dissatisfied with the outcome of the presidential review on the report made by the incident investigation and review committee (IIRC).

“Ang alam ko, ang Pilipinas ay isang independent Republic na hindi pupuwedeng manduhan,” Lim said, pointing out that President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has already done everything that was needed to be done with regard the hostage-taking incident probe.

According to Lim, Filipinos should look after the interest of their own country especially since the highest official of the land has already announced the final decision on the matter.

“Hindi dapat na payagang makialam ang ibang bansa sa internal matters ng Pilipinas in the same manner na kung tayo ang makikialam sa ibang bansa, they will also resent it,” he stressed.

“We cannot please everybody. Moreso, we cannot sacrifice the dignity of our government. Whether or not other countries accept the government decision is of no moment,” Lim added.

Meanwhile, the mayor maintained that he has not done any wrongdoing nor was he remiss in his duties as chairman of the local crisis management committee during the hostage-taking incident.

“I have done everything that I should have done within my authority as chairman of the committee and I will readily prove this once the hearings start,” Lim said.

“How can I be held accountable? Just because you have been recommended charged doesn’t necessarily mean that you are guilty or have done wrong,” he pointed out.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 13, 2010

BRIDGING THE GAP

Mayor Alfredo S. Lim today, October 13, 2010, said that President Noynoy Aquino is building a bridge between the National Government and the military instead of perpetrating a gap perceived to have been lingering for sometime.

Reacting positively to the President’s grant of amnesty to Senator Antonio Trillanes and 300 other soldiers, Mayor Lim says that it is an illimitable gesture of sincerity, reflective of the love for freedom and democracy of his late mother, President Cory.

He added that this historic gesture will spell out the difference for us in the future when every Filipino will have been truly proud of this country and its leaders.

“Surely, this meaningful act of President Aquino will be etched in the heart of every peace and freedom loving Filipino.” Lim concluded.

There were neither personal nor selfish motives in the case of Trillanes and the other 300 rebels, they were merely expressing their grievance at that time, upholding the plight of the soldiers, an act that was eventually vindicated when Trillanes was elected as Senator.

Referring to a similar case of the “Morong 43”, Mayor Lim believes it is very likely that the President would be granting the same amnesty. These are detainees currently deprived of their freedom and rights based on sheer perceived assault upon the duly constituted authority of the past administration.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 13, 2010

Secretary to Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, Atty. Rafaelito M. Garayblas yesterday laughed off the 'drama' staged by SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza where he tried to dupe the public into believing that he is a victim in the mess 'which he and his brother, dismissed police Capt. Rolando Mendoza, created in the first place.'

Gregorio he said, badly needs psychiatric treatment coupled with large doses of memory pills.

"Does he has amnesia or is just bent on sweeping the real issues under the rug? The fact remains that it was his brother, the late captain, who committed a criminal act and killed all the innocent hostages while he, Gregorio, willingly aided his brother in ensuring that such criminal acts continued to the end. Pagkatapos ngayon palalabasin niyang siya ang biktima at api? Iniinsulto ba niya ang katalinuhan ng mga taong gusto niyang papaniwalain?” Garayblas stressed.

He also noted that Gregorio himself has admitted at the advanced command post (ACP) that he and his brother indeed planned out the said hostage-taking as a way of attracting attention to the case of Rolando, who was dismissed from the service on charges of extortion and planting shabu on a hapless cook.

Reportedly, Gregorio, in the presence of those who were at the ACP then, was asked by Lim why his brother chose foreign nationals as hostages.

In his reply, Gregorio said it was perfect timing to air their sentiments against the Ombudsman since at that time, there were calls for the Ombudsman to resign.

Garayblas also pointed out that Gregorio had all the opportunity to stop his brother from taking the law into his own hands but that instead, he even encouraged Rolando to continue with the hostage-taking.

As if this was not enough, Garayblas said Gregorio went to the extent of provoking anger on the part of his brother by saying: “Tol, wag kang papayag hanggang hindi isinosoli ang baril ko.”

“That Gregorio’s provocation had an effect on his brother was proven by the fact that Rolando fired at the direction of hostage negotiator Col. Orlando Yebra while the latter was walking away from the bus,” Garayblas noted.

The Mendoza brothers, he added, are both police officers who should have led by example in upholding what is right and lawful.

Meanwhile, Garayblas expressed suspicion that Gregorio has also become a willing tool by Lim’s political rivals.

He also said Gregorio’s state of mind should be thoroughly examined by authorities since he might use the authorities and power vested in him by the government as police officer in the wrong manner, the same way his brother did. — TONY CUNANAN ( MEDIA IMFORMATION BUREAU)***

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 8, 2010

LIM INAUGURATES PUBLIC MARKET IN BASECO

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led Manilans in the inauguration and blessing of the newly-built President Corazon C. Aquino Public Market located at the Baseco Compound in District V at 10:00 o’clock this morning, October 8, 2010.

Baseco Compound, formerly a depressed community, now boasts of wide cemented roads, air-conditioned lying-in health center, parks and playgrounds, a public high school and a newly-built public market.

The currently built one-level public market can accommodate around 77 stalls, combined, for meat, fish and dry goods sections and a temporary area for the vegetable section. But a proposed extension will soon be constructed for the vegetable section.

“Ang pakiusap ko lang sa mga nagtitinda dito na sana pagkatapos ng tinda, bago kayo umuwi ay linisin ninyo ang inyong mga puwesto para hindi bumaho, kasi pag mabaho wala nang papasok dito sa palengke. At ang pakiusap ko naman sa mga nakatira dito, sana kahit 5 minuto lang, paggising ninyo sa umaga ay maglinis kayo sa mga tapat ng bahay ninyo,” Mayor Lim said.

The residents of Baseco Compound are exceedingly grateful to Mayor Lim for his administration’s non-stop support in upgrading their standard of living through medical, educational and livelihood assistance and infrastructure developments “Napakaswerte namin dito sa Baseco dahil lahat ng tulong ay patuloy na ibinibigay sa amin ni Mayor Lim. At sa darating na January 2011 nga ay ipatatayo na rin ang tatlong palapag na elementary school sa tapat ng high school building,” Baseco barangay chairman Cristo Hispano said.

Likewise, Reverend Father Jose William D. Araña, OSA, regional vicar of San Agustin Parish who officiated the blessing of the newly-built public market, requested the Mayor for the city’s help to find them a place in Baseco where they may build a Catholic church.

Chief of staff and Media Bureau Chief Ricardo E. de Guzman, City administrator Jay Marzan, department heads, city employees, barangay officials, representatives from non-governmental organizations and Baseco residents participated in the event.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 8, 2010

MANILA FORMS CITY COUNCIL FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim recently signed Executive Order No. 20, series of 2010, constituting the City Council for the Protection of Children (CCPC) in accordance with section 15 of Republic Act 9344, otherwise known as "Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006."

Under E.O. 20, the council is the primary agency to coordinate with and assist the City for the adoption of a comprehensive plan on delinquency prevention, and to oversee its proper implementation.

The CCPC shall be composed of the head of the Manila Department of Social Welfare as its chairman, the president of the Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan, the superintendent of City Schools, the Director of Boystown, a representative from the UNICEF, and the chairman of Museo Pambata, respectively as members.

The creation of EO 20 which states that all matters pertaining to the implementation of law on child protection be promulgated by the council duly addresses issues on the safety of the youth who are the most vulnerable amongst the city’s constituents.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 7, 2010

MAYORS SUPPORT LIM

METROPOLITAN Mayors and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday declared their unwavering support for Mayor Alfredo S. Lim in view of reports that he is among those who have been recommended for prosecution by the incident investigation and review committee (IIRC).

In a one-page manifesto, the 16 mayors expressed their unwavering support, sincere gratitude and profound respect for Lim and their belief that that the August 23 hostage-taking incident “should not define the exemplar of public service that he continues to be.”

The signatories, apart from Secretary Francis Tolentino, chair of the MMDA, are Mayors Benjamin Abalos, Jr. (Mandaluyong City); Herbert Bautista (Quezon City); Jejomar Erwin Binay, Jr. (Makati City); Guia Gomez (San Juan); Del de Guzman (Marikina); Vergel Aguilar (Las Pinas); Florencio Bernabe, Jr. (Paranaque City); Enrico Echiverri (Caloocan City); Robert Eusebio (Pasig City); Sherwin Gatchalian (Valenzuela City); Jaime Medina (Municipality of Pateros); Canuto Oreta (Malabon City); John Rey Tiangco (Navotas City); Antonio Calixto (Pasay City); Aldrin San Pedro (Muntinlupa City) and Laarni Cayetano (Taguig).

The manifesto cited Lim for leading a distinguished career marked by a firm resolve to implement the rule of law and having earned numerous commendations and awards as a policeman since the 1950s.

Lim, whom they said was elected mayor of Manila in 1992 and then re-elected with the highest majority of votes in the history of Manila politics,“served the country as Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary...thereafter as Senator of the Republic.”

“It is well accepted that Mayor Lim implemented his platform of a strong law and order program. This reduced crime in the city of Manila. He also succeeded in cleaning up and beautifying the City of Man,” the mayors stated.

The manifesto of the MMDA and the Metropolitan Manila Mayors was the latest of the countless manifestations of support that Lim had been receiving following reports that his name was included in the list of those recommended for prosecution by the IIRC headed by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

Lim’s chief of staff and media bureau chief said that among those who have supported Lim in the belief that he has not committed any wrongdoing during the hostage-taking incident and performed his functions in accordance with what is dictated by law are private entities, lawyers’ groups, judges associations, the city employees, student groups, the city councilors representing the six districts of Manila and the Liga ng Mga Barangay headed by Councilor Philip Lacuna and which is comprised of the officials from the city’s 897 barangays.

Lim’s office has also been swamped with letters and offers of free legal services from lawyers who believe he performed his functions well and correctly during the said incident, De Guzman added.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 6, 2010

CITY OF MANILA WELCOMES GALLEON ANDALUCIA

The City government of Manila led by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, together with Spanish ambassador Luis Arias Romero, Mexican ambassador Tomas Javier Calvillo Unna, National Commission for Culture and the Arts chairman Vilma L. Labrador, Dia del Galeon Festival director general Cecile Guidote-Alvarez and Intramuros Administrator Jose Capistrano, Jr. welcomed Galleon Andalucia as it entered Manila Bay at 8:30 this morning, October 6, 2010.

A short program consisting of cultural performances greeted the officials and crew
members of the galleon as they docked at Pier 13 of the South Harbor in Manila.

After giving his welcome message, Mayor Lim presented the ceremonial key to the City of Manila to Galleon Andalucia officials led by its president, Mr. Juan Salas Tornero.

The Galleon Andalucia, a replica of the 17th Century galleon will be in Manila starting today, October 6 until October 9 for the very first celebration of the International Dia del Galeon Festival 2010: Connecting Continents.

The festival is the first of its kind and aims to reflect the impact of the Galleon Trade, commemorate cultural transmission and diversity, and highlight the Philippine indigenous role on this historic event.

Guests, city government officials and employees, barangay and sangguniang kabataan officials, history teachers, students and representatives of non-governmental organizations witnessed the event.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 4, 2010

LIM DISTRIBUTES RICE AT BASECO

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim started distributing several sacks of rice at the Baseco
Covered Court this morning under the joint program with the Department of Social
Welfare and Development and the United Nation’s “Food for Work – UN World Food Program.”

Under this program, the poor city resident renders community work – cleaning, tree planting and other community services for 8 hours for 5 days and in return gets 25 kilos of rice and P675.00 in cash each.

A total of 5,500 individuals from the city’s six districts participated in the program, according to Manila Department of Social Welfare head Jay dela Fuente.

Mayor Lim will distribute more sacks of rice to other participants from five remaining districts until Friday, October 8. The cash equivalent of two-and-a-half day’s community work will be given separately to all participants next week.

Participants from the city’s six districts rendered their five-day community work – cleaning, tree planting and similar services this last week of September.




PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 4, 2010

MANILA MARKS 25 YEARS OF PROMOTING YOUTH WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT


Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday, led Manilans in celebrating 25 rewarding years promoting youth welfare, development and empowerment through the city’s Youth Development & Welfare Bureau (YWDB).

Several activities including on-the-spot drawing contest, dance, singing, and original musical composition competitions were organized by the youth bureau to further enhance the talents and interests of the city’s youth.

Exhibits, services and demo booths which highlighted Filipino values, culture, arts, heritage, environmental awareness and livelihood undertakings were put up at the Bonifacio Shrine grounds in cooperation with partner agencies namely, the National Library, Museo Pambata, Philippine Coast Guard, National Historical Institute, Philippine National Red Cross, and other city government departments and offices.

The 25th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Youth Development & Welfare Bureau culminated with a grand event yesterdaty afternoon at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
October 1, 2010

SUNRISE PARADE KICKS OFF SCOUTING MONTH IN MANILA

The Manila city government led by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Manila Council celebrate Scouting Month this year with a kick-off ceremony tomorrow, October 2, 2010, 7:00 a.m. at the Andres Bonifacio Shrine, Kartilya side near Manila City Hall.

The celebration starts at 5 a.m. with a “Sunrise Parade” of scouters from their districts to the Andres Bonifacio Shrine followed by a program at the Kartilya side of the shrine.

As part of the kick-off ceremony, all scouters will do community service and cleaning of the surrounding areas of Andres Bonifacio Shrine from Manila City Hall
to the City College of Manila after the program.

The Boy Scouts of the Philippines Manila Council is celebrating its 86th years of service to young Manilans through the spirit of volunteerism. This year’s theme is “Scouting ng Maynila: Kaisa sa Pag-Unlad ng Bansa.”

City government officials, employees, barangay officials, SK officials and residents
of nearby barangays are invited to witness the event.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
September 28, 2010

OSPITAL NG MAYNILA GETS Php129T WORTH OF MEDICINES

Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center (OMMC) recently received donations of assorted medicines worth Php129,544.65 from various private entities in support of Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim’s vision of providing accessible and quality hospital
services and free medicines to indigent patients.

Lim said the donations will go a long way in helping the poor residents of the city from Manila’s six districts, as they are the ones directly benefitting from the services derived from the six city hospitals of Manila.

All six hospitals not only accept patients from Manila but also those residing in nearby cities and municipalities.

Having established one hospital for each district of the city providing free medical services for the poor is a feat that endeared the mayor to the hearts of Manilans.

The donation was personally turned-over by Mr. Pablito Chua of Philippine Belt Manufacturing Corp., Mr. Reynaldo Chua of Aqua Sweet Food & Drinks, Inc., and Tulay Foundation, Inc.’s representative, to Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center hospital director, Dr. Isaias R. Cando.

Medical staff and employees of OMMC witnessed the lively turn-over ceremony held at the hospital premises.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
September 27, 2010

MANILA COMMEMORATES FEAST OF SAN LORENZO RUIZ

The Manila city government led by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim will observe the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz with a wreath-laying ceremony and commemorative program at 4:00 p.m. today, September 28, 2010 at Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Manila.

Members of the Basilica Pastoral Council, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industries, employees of the city government, barangay officials and devotees of San Lorenzo Ruiz will congregate at the Plaza for the commemorative program honoring the first Filipino Saint.

Congress representatives of Manila as well as city councilors, members of the KAISA Foundation will also assemble at the Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz to show their devotion.

In 1636, Lorenzo joined a group of Dominican priests, a Japanese layman and a leper who went to Japan where Christians were ruthlessly persecuted for their faith. Upon landing in Okinawa in July 10, they were identified as Christians, were arrested and sent to jail.

A year later, he was sent with his companions to trial in Nagasaki and was tortured for his Christian faith.

“I am a Christian! I shall die for God, and for Him I shall give thousands of lives, if I had them . . . do with me as you please.” According to religious legend, those were Lorenzo Ruiz’s brave last words before he was tortured to death in Japan in 1636.

On October 17, 1987, Pope John Paul II solemnly canonized Lorenzo Ruiz and his 15 companions as saints in Vatican.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
September 23, 2010

LIM AWARDS CHAMPIONS OF DEMOCRACY

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim awarded 18 Western Police District (now Manila Police District) officers and policemen with Certificates of Recognition for their courage and heroism during the re-taking of Channel 4 (currently ABS-CBN), then a government station, during the 1987 coup attempt launched by rebel forces against the government of then President Corazon Aquino.

Mayor Lim was chief of the then Western Police District when the sixth coup attempt on President Cory Aquino’s administration was staged on August 28, 1987 by rebel soldiers. This attempt aimed to overthrow the Corazon Aquino government was the most serious and bloodiest.

When rebel soldiers gained control of Channel 4, Lim led his police officers and
volunteers in successfully recovering the said television station.

The simple awarding ceremony was held at the Bulwagang Villegas in Manila City Hall at 10 a.m. yesterday.

Certificates of Recognition were awarded to: P/Major Edgardo Avendaño, P/Lt. Jaime Peralta, P/Lt. Reynaldo Roldan, P/Sgt. Eduardo Tabao, P/Cpl. Pacifico Alandy, Pcf. Alfredo Pascual, Pcf. Policarpio Cadsawan, Pcf. Rodolfo Jaraza, Pat. Juanito Fabre, Pat. Francisco Pantoja, Pat. Carlito Mangaoang, Pat. Carlos Altivo, Pat. Antonio Disuanco, Pat. Joel Sioson, Pat. Levi Sevilla, Sergeant Eduardo Esguerra, Gen. Rodolfo Garcia, and Major Josefina Caspellan and their representatives.

Last August 28, a commemorative program on the re-taking of channel 4, a photo exhibit of the historic event and a tribute to the late Sgt. Eduardo Esguerra, the lone casualty from Lim’s team during the re-taking of Channel 4, was held at the Manila Police District.

Officials and employees of the city government, Manila Police District officers, policemen and guests witnessed the event.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
September 17, 2010

LIM DEPUTIZES PUBLIC SCHOOL PTAs

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim recently signed Executive Order No. 18, series of 2010,authorizing the Parents’ and Teachers’ Association (PTA) to inspect computer/internet shops due to reports that unscrupulous operators of computer stores and internet shops continuously allow minors and school children entry in their shops during school hours in violation of City Ordinance No. 8168 and EO No.14 series of 2007.

EO No. 18 designates officers and members of duly accredited PTAs of Manila’s public elementary and high schools in the enforcement of Ordinance 8168 and EO No. 14 which, restrict the use of internet cafes and computer shops to minors and school children from 8 am to 5 pm.

As deputized representatives, the PTAs are authorized to enter and monitor the said shops and cafes between 8 am to 5 pm after presentation of their valid PTA identification cards.

The deputized PTA officer/member may take photographs of the shop, get the name and age of the student identified by the shop owner and the name of his/her parents and the school where he/she is enrolled if a minor or a student is found using a computer or internet in the shop.

The PTA will also ensure that certain conditions are complied with by the computer shops, (1) that the warning “No pornography and gambling” is posted at the upper portion of every monitor; (2) no cubicle or enclosure separates the computer units from each other; (3) the business license plate is displayed at the cashier’s or manager’s counter; (4) the entire text of EO No. 14 is posted at the entrance door of the establishment; and, (5) there is a signage at the entrance door prohibiting minors and those wearing school uniforms from entering the internet cafes.

The PTA officer or member shall immediately prepare and submit his/her monitoring report to the Office of the Mayor.

Any computer shop or internet café which shall prevent, refuse or deny the entry to their shop of said PTA officer/member or turn down the request to gather relevant data and take photograph therein, after confirmation by the Office of the Mayor of such fact, shall be ordered closed, its license to operate suspended or cancelled.

The mayor directed the Bureau of Permits to disseminate EO No. 18 to all applicants for new business or renewal of existing businesses.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
September 16, 2010

MANILA’S PUBLIC MARKET GETS NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, together with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis N. Tolentino, USAID Office of Energy & Environment Chief, Mr. Rolf Anderson, and Past Rotary International Director Rafael G. Hechanova led the inauguration of the Sta. Ana Public Market Wastewater Treatment Facility (WTF) at 10:00 a.m. today, September 16, 2010.

The new treatment facility will fully treat wastewater coming from Sta. Ana public market before it enters the Pasig River. The wastewater treatment facility will fully clean the water using a technology that is less expensive and easier to operate than a conventional wastewater treatment plant. It does not use any added chemical and consumes minimal electricity.

The Sta. Ana Public Market WTF screens wastewater to remove solid waste. As wastewater flows up through the up flow anaerobic sludge blanket, organic particles are trapped and degraded by anaerobic bacteria. The wastewater is further treated as it passes through different chambers. Once the flow arrives in the sequencing batch reactor (SBR), it is mixed with atmospheric oxygen to produce a highly treated effluent. Chlorine is used to disinfect the wastewater before it is discharged to the river.

Mayor Lim thanked the USAID, Rotary International and the MMDA for their assistance in building the wastewater treatment facility.

City officials, department heads, employees, officers and staff of non-governmental organizations involved attended and participated in the event.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
September 9, 2010

LIM RECEIVES DONATION OF WHEELCHAIRS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning, received donations of 50 units of wheelchairs from officers and members of the Lion’s Club International District 301-A1 led by Lion’s governor Jimmy Tiu and Lion’s vice-governor and Manila district II councilor, Hon. Edward M. Tan.

The mayor thanked the Lions for their donation which, according to him goes a long a way in improving the daily life and alleviating the walking disability of the recipients.

The wheelchairs will be distributed to indigent city residents with mobility impairment. Since Lim’s return as mayor of Manila in 2007, he was able to personally deliver hundreds of wheelchairs to deserving beneficiaries living in various barangays in six districts of Manila.

The donation was held at the Bulwagan Villegas in Manila and witnessed by department heads and employees.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
September 5, 2010

MANILA PLEDGES P50,000 FOR OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH PROGRAM OF ALAY LAKAD

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led hundreds of employees and heads of the different offices and departments of the City and other local governments of Metro Manila in Sunday morning's 38 th Alay Lakad with the theme “Hakbang sa pagbabago.  Alay sa kabataang Pilipino,” which started from Arroceros St. (back side of City Hall) and ended at the Quirino Grandstand.

“Ang Alay Lakad ay isang magandang proyekto para sa mga out-of-school youth.  Kaya nga tumigil sa pag-aaral ang karamihan ay dahil kulang sa pangsustento at doon naman natin ibibigay ang aming tulong para maipagpatuloy nila ang kanilang pag-aaral at magkaroon ng magandang kinabukasan,” Lim said.

The City of Manila pledged P50,000 to Alay Lakad Foundation Inc. headed by president Frank Evaristo.

The Manila City Hall Band and Chorale rendered the National Anthem.

Lim welcomed the participating delegates from different groups of the different cities and the Armed Forces, Philippine National Police and all the non-government agencies.

“ Sana po marami tayong mga tao na ang iisipin ay kung paano makakatulong doon sa mga kapatid nating nangangailangan ng tulong.  Panahon na po na tayo ay magkaisa, magkatulong-tulong, magkasama alang-alang sa kapayapaan, katarungan at kaunlaran ng bayan,” Lim said.

Lim said the city's donation to the foundation is its way of reaching out to the out-of-school youth, who mostly come from indigent families.  The city provides free education from elementary to college in all its schools and tertiary institutions like Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and The City of College of Manila. 

The city also tied up with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide technical training for the out-of-school youth so they can get employed easily or set up their own small businesses, Lim said.

One of the beneficiaries of the alay Lakad Foundation, Jude Librodo, a BS Computer Engineering student of the City College of Manila thanked the foundation and its program.  “Ito ay isang malaking tulong sa aking pag-aaral lalo na po sa aking kalagayan ngayon.  Patuloy po nating suportahan ang Alay Lakad dahil maraming po silang natututlungang mga bata sa ating bansa,” Librodo said.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
August 12, 2010

LIM LIGHTS UP JOSE ABAD SANTOS AVENUE
 
Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday led city officials in lighting up the entire stretch of Jose Abad Santos Avenue from Claro M. Recto to Hermosa Street in Tondo, Manila.
 
Together with Hon. Ruben “Dr. J” F. Buenaventura, Councilor, Manila’s 2nd District, and Chief of Staff Ricardo de Guzman, the mayor switched on the streetlights put up along Jose Abad Santos Avenue to brighten the area.
 
The lighting of streets, bridges, parks and public places in the city is part of Manila ’s urban planning and rehabilitation/improvement of life programs, and all-out war against criminality under the 11-point agenda of Lim’s administration.
 
Lim said the lighting of Jose Abad Santos Avenue will allow the residents and other pedestrians to confidently pass by the area without fear of being accosted by criminal elements. 
 
Lim requested the barangay officials to monitor and ensure that all streetlights installed in their areas are not vandalized or stolen.
 
The mayor accordingly told the precinct commanders present that he hopes, the lighting of the streets will provide greater visibility in the community to help the police in preventing crimes.              

PRESS RELEASE
July 30, 2010

CITY'S RESPONSE TO ATIENZA'S ALLEGATION

REFERENCE IS MADE ON THE NEWS ITEMS APPEARING ON THE JULY 30, 2010 – ISSUE OF THE DAILY TRIBUNE AND THE PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER TREATING ON THE COMPLAINT OF FORMER MAYOR LITO ATIENZA OVER THE DELAY IN THE PROCEEDINGS OF HIS ELECTION PROTEST AGAINST MANILA MAYOR ALFREDO S. LIM, AND THE ALLEGED “PRESENCE OF ARMED MEN” WHO “TERRORIZED AND THREATENED” THEIR WATCHERS GUARDING THE BALLOT BOXES WHICH WHERE DEPOSITED AT THE MUSEONG PAMBATA. HE FURTHER ALLEGED THAT SOME UNAUTHORIZED PEOPLE HAD BEEN GIVEN ACCESS TO THE MUSEO WITHOUT GIVING THE SAME PRIVELEGE TO HIS WATCHERS.

WITH REGARDS TO THE DELAYED ACTION ON THE ELECTION PROTEST, THE MATTER RESTS SOLELY BETWEEN COMELEC AND MR. LITO ATIENZA. WE TAKE EXEPTION HOWEVER TO THE ALLEGATION OF ARMED GOONS TERRORIZING MR. ATIENZA’S WATCHERS AS THE SAME IS WITHOUT BASIS AND MERELY ALLEGATIONS UNSUPPORTED BY CORROBORATIVE PROOFS, SUCH AS NAMES OF PERSONS TERRORIZED, IDENTITIES OF SUSPECTS, POLICE REPORTS, ETC. FURTHERMORE THERE ARE DAILY ROUND - THE – CLOCK POLICEMEN ASSIGNED TO MAINTAIN PEACE AND ORDER WITHIN THE PREMISES OF MUSEONG PAMBATA AND THEIR MERE PRESENCE WOULD PRE – EMPT ANY UNTOWARD INCIDENT IN THE AREA. IT IS TO BE EMPHASIZED THAT WE NEVER RESORT TO ANY FORM OF HARASSMENT TO ANYONE DURING THE MANUAL RECOUNTING OF THE VOTES OR GUARDING OF THE BALLOT BOXES AT THE MUSEO, AND IF AT ALL, WE WILL BE THE ONE TO PRESERVE THE SANCTITY OF THE BALLOT, CONSIDERING THE OVERWHELMING NUMBER OF VOTES GARNERED BY MAYOR ALFREDO S. LIM OVER HIS DEFEATED MAYORALTY RACE RIVALS, WHICH WAS GIVEN CREDENCE BY THE RECENT PRONOUNCEMENT OF COMELEC COMMISSIONER JOSE MELO THAT THE RESULTS OF A RANDOM MANUAL AUDIT OF BALLOTS FROM THE MAY 10 POLLS SHOWED A 99.6% ACCURACY.

RICARDO E. DE GUZMAN
CHIEF OF STAFF

 PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
July 22, 2010

MANILA TO RAISE P300 M FOR RESTORING MET

The City of Manila began this morning conducting hearings on the proposed City Ordinance to raise P300 million for the rehabilitation, restoration and conservation of the Metropolitan Theater, one of the city’s historical landmarks.

The ordinance seeks to add P5 per movie ticket to be charged to movie goers in any of the theaters and cinemas in the city, with the fund to be channeled directly to the trust fund to be managed by the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO).

The first hearing for the proposed ordinance was held at the Oval Office of City Hall and was presided by Chief of Staff Ricardo de Guzman, along with Chairman Gemma Cruz-Araneta and talent manager German Moreno as co-Chairman of the Executive Steering Committee of the Met Restoration Project.

As defined by the proposed ordinance, establishments covered by the additional revenue measure are cinemas and theaters with the fee from the operators for every movie shown in a span of one year.

The 8,000 square-meter Metropolitan Theater is fondly remembered for being the venue in the past of zarzuelas, operas and other theatrical shows for the masses. It is being restored by both the city and the national governments, beginning with the Arroyo administration.

The proposed ordinance tasks the CTO to issue the necessary official receipts to the cinema operator concerned and thereafter deposit the same to a trust fund account, specifically opened for the rehabilitation, renovation and conservation project of the Met.

“No funds collected through this ordinance may be diverted, converted or appropriated to any other purpose except in line with the rehabilitation, renovation and conservation of the Metropolitan Theater,” the ordinance stated.

All participating movie and cinema operators have the right to demand copies of the liquidation report with respect to the proper disbursement of the fund.

 PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
July 21, 2010

VIB SEIZES P18,000 WORTH OF CHICKEN, CHEESE AND DAIRY PRODUCTS

In keeping with Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim’s fight against selling of hot meats like chicken, beef and pork, the Veterinary Inspection Board under OIC Sonia Salmos seized Wednesday P18,000 worth of unwholesome chicken, cheese and other dairy products that were on their way to the different city markets.

The VIB Squad team responded to complaints of some consumers about expired chicken meats last Wednesday morning along P. Guevarra and Blumentritt Streets in Sta. Cruz.

The team stopped the vending of the chicken meats for the second time this month following the confiscation last Friday of double dead meat.

Led by retired Maj. Mario Austria, the VIB Squad along with veterinarian Dr. Joselito Diaz and seven members gathered over 300 kilos of chicken parts and 40 kilogram of cheese and dairy products Wednesday morning in Sta. Cruz worth P18,000.

Diaz said their action was guided by Republic Act 7394 (Consumer Act), City Ordinance 4739 (hot meat), City Ordinance 1600 under section 1002 (Unwholesome food).

Diaz said unwholesome foods are those unfit for human consumption such as expired, spoiled, contaminated or mishandled. 

Dr. Diaz also said that they were able as well to confiscate some grocery items that are unlabeled or re-packed and some items have altered expiration dates which are considered all unwholesome food.

Dr. Diaz added that most unwholesome grocery items could be found in Quiapo and Pritil areas.

 PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
July 17, 2010

CITY SEIZES 14 HEADS OF DOUBLE DEAD MEAT

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim was informed that the Veterinary Inspection Board in Tondo confiscated 14 heads of 80 kilos per head of double dead or hot pork meat.

VIB Chief Sonia Salmos said the hot meat was seized from Capulong Road 10 on the way to different markets of the city by her raiding team of meat squad headed by Dr. Hector Dimaculangan at around 3 pm. Friday.

The hot pork was seized for violation of City Ordinance 4739 on hot meat.

The truck driver was identified as one Bong Santiago. The truck carried 1,120 kilos of hot meat.

The Veterinary Inspection Board conducts regular surprise inspection of meat stalls, vendors and meat shops to provide protection to consumers and ensure the safety of the food they buy, Salmos said.

The seized pork will now be buried in a condemned pit and will be properly sealed by the VIB.

 PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
July 16, 2010

NEW DAY CARE CENTER RISES IN QUIRINO AVENUE

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led the inauguration Friday morning of the new Paraiso ng Batang Maynila day care center along  Quirino Avenue, which has two rooms and will operate on three shifts each day for 150 pre school students.

A joint project of the City of Manila under the Department of Social Welfare and the Lions Club of Manila, host club of Philippine Lions, the center was blessed by Fr. Anastacio Pabon, parish priest of Assumption Church.

The Mayor thanked the Lions Club of Manila for helping the city and for donating equipment to be used in the day- care and school supplies for the children.

"This center is for your children. This is the first step to higher education that the children have to go through for kindergarten, elementary, high school and college. The city provides free education until college," Lim stressed.    

Just like in all day care centers, the city pays the salaries of the teachers and supports all the supplies needed, he said.

The obligation of the day care center workers is to take care of their wards, being their second parent while at school. " The only thing I will ask from you is to teach and serve your wards with a smile and with open hearts," Lim stated.

Present at the inauguration were: Jay De La Fuente, OIC, Manila Department of Social Welfare, Engr. Deogracias Manimbo, OIC, Public Recreations Bureau, Jimmy Tiu, governor, Lions Club of Manila Host Club of Philippine Lions, Lulu Lasala, president, Lions Club of Manila, Candy Pua, project chairman, Lions Club of Manila.

 PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
July 14, 2010

BE PROUD, LIM TELLS COAST GUARD GRADUATES

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim told the new graduates of Maritime Security Course Class 12-10 "to hold your head high for it is in your hands that lives will be saved."

"You are here to sacrifice your lives in the service of the people," Lim told the graduates of the Philippine Coast Guard Education and Training Command at the Coast Guard Base Farola Covered Court.

“Please instill in your mind, head, and heart that we are here to sacrifice to the service of our people.  Pinasok natin ito, hindi pwedeng sasabihin natin na kapag may nalulunod ay nakalimutan mong lumangoy.  Kahit hindi ka marunong lumangoy dapat tumalon ka to save that life.  Iyan ang dapat na maging motto ng coast guard”, Lim said.

Mayor Lim also said during disasters people need your help badly.  “I say to you when you walk out of the campus or if you are on the streets hold your head high and look anybody straight in their eyes and tell them I am your savior.  Your safety and security is in my hands.  Don’t belittle me because one day you will call for my assistance and I will be ready, able and willing to give up my life for you,” Lim added.

Lim lamented that somepeople belittle the soldiers, policemen and coast guard and prefer to take courses as doctors, engineers, lawyers, architects, dentists, Certified Public Accountant, or others would rather put up a business. 

“Bihira ang magsasabi na magsundalo ka na lang, o kaya magpulis.  There is a negative connotation on that.  But your presence here with your uniform, gives honor to your profession because that is a profession.  A profession, in my mind, which is higher than any ordinary professional,” Lim added.

Sino ang namumunuhan ng buhay?  Kayo mga coast guard, sundalo at pulis.  Propesyon lang natin na minamaliit lang tayo.  Hindi lang nila alam na sa oras ng pangangailangan o in times of emergency na nakataya ang kanilang buhay sino ang iisipin nila na tatawagin hindi ba kayo.  Dahil kayo ang sasagip sa kanila.  At sa pagsagip ninyo maaaring may malunod sa inyo.  Maaaring may madisgrasya.  But because of our oath of office we have to pay the ultimate price and that is the sacrifice of our life.”

Mayor Lim led the distribution of certificates to the graduates and was assisted by PCG Commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo.

As a token of appreciation, the PCG gave Mayor Lim a jacket and a replica of PRB Batangas 56m Search and Rescue.

 PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
July 13, 2010

MANILA TO GIVE HERO’S WELCOME FOR DONAIRE

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim announced he is preparing a hero's welcome for Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire  for his convincing victory against Hernan “Tyson” Marquez of Mexico for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Flyweight Interim Title when he visits the country’s capital.

“Mag-oorganize tayo ng motorcade.  Lagi naman natin siya  binibigyan ng motorcade tuwing nananalo sa laban,” Lim said.

Manila ’s adopted son Donaire who had little problems in making the 115 pound weight limit still showed a complete package of his skills against the hard-hitting Mexican Marquez.

Referee Roberto Ramirez decided to call a halt in the 8 th round with only a second remaining in the round after the “Filipino Flash” decked Marquez for the second time.

“Maganda ang ipinakita ni Donaire sa labang iyon,” Lim said who saw the lopsided fight in favor of the city’s adopted son.

Donaire has been receiving recognition from the city during his past fights against Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion of Panama last year from whom he took the title and the demolition knock out job in the third round against Mexico ’s Manuel “Chango” Vargas in an interim title defense.

 PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
July 13, 2010

LIM HONORS BOXER PANCHO VILLA

Soon after typhoon Basyang knocked out a wide area of the country, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim honored by laying a a wreath at the tomb of the country's first flyweight champion, Francisco "Pancho Villa" Guilledo at the Manila North Cemetery recently on his 85 th death anniversary.

“Ang okasyong ito ay maging tanda ng pagpapahalaga sa ating mga kababayan na kahit wala gaanong napag-aralan, walang doctorate o masteral degree na kagaya ni Pancho Villa, ay katangi-tangi ang kanilang mga nagagawa.  Siguro buhayin natin sa ating damdamin at isipan ang mga magaganda na dapat gawin na magiging kapuri-puri”, Mayor Lim said as he challenged the public.

Mayor Lim also asked the teachers and principals to teach their students of the heroes' deeds.  “Ang pakiusap ko lang sa inyo na ipaalala lang ninyo ang mga kabayanihan ng ating mga bayani sa lahat ng larangan hindi lang sa boxing.”

Mayor Lim said that before current boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and Flash Elorde there were Ceferino Garcia and Pancho Villa who brought pride and honor for the country before the war.

Mayor Lim, a boxing fan, said he was able to watch one of the fights (on tape) of Pancho Villa.  And he described Villa’s punches like tornados.  “Ang kamay nya ay parang ipu-ipo.  Pagkalembang sa round mabilis siyang tumatakbo patungo sa kanyang kalaban at walang humpay ang kanyang mga suntok at talagang hindi makakailag ang kanyang kalaban sa bilis,” Lim added.

Pancho Villa went on to fight though even after a tooth extraction that led to his death after few days.  Mayor Lim said Villa continued to fight though not in a perfect condition simply because he has only one thing in his mind – pride and honor for the motherland.

“Sa madaling salita ang mga taong nag-aangat sa pangalan ng bansa sa pagbibigay ng karangalan ay hindi dapat makalimutan kagaya ng ginagawa ni Pacquiao ngayon kung bakit marami ang umiidolo sa kanya ay dahil sa karangalan na ibinibigay nya sa ating bansa.

Others who offered wreath at Pancho Villa’s tomb were National Historical Institute Dr. Ambeth Ocampo, City School Superintendent Dr. Ponciano Menguito, first district Councilor Niño dela Cruz and Manila Sports Council Chairman Paul Almario and Manila Historical and Heritage Commission Vice-Chairperson Gemma Cruz-Araneta.

 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.  

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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
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.