PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 20 , 2012

LIM ORDERS THE ARREST OF 10 SUSPECT-POLICEMEN FOR ALLEGED KIDNAPPING, EXTORTION, PLANTING OF EVIDENCE

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim in a press conference held at Manila City Hall this morning, ordered the dissolution of drug units in all police stations and ordered the arrest of ten (10) police suspected for alleged kidnapping, extortion and planting of evidence to victims Kim Youn Ho, Nam Sang Jik, Do Wan Kuk, and Lee Byung Soup, all Korean nationals.

“ Effective today we are going to dissolve all these drug units in all the police stations because of these drug incidents, and transfer them all to MPD headquarters in different assignments, while these people involved in the kidnapping will be arrested.

I will order Manila Police District Director, Gen. Alex Gutierrez to revamp that drug unit at MPD-HQ, which will be the unit allowed to investigate drug cases together with the Manila City Hall detachment, so that we could take full responsibility.  No other police officers in any police station or precinct will have the authority to investigate matters on drugs,”  Mayor Lim said.

Mayor Lim said that the incident is a tremendous and serious flaw on the good names of the police department . The suspect-police officers who had not reported for duty after February 14 have been considered AWOL and therefore ordered summarily dismissed by the Mayor.

The  victims together with their families sought the assistance of the Korean Consul General Jung Soon Chul who in turn, asked for an immediate action on this matter.

While the four (4) Koreans were inside Diamond Hotel preparing for their departure to Korea, their tour guide, Mr. Choi Jang Tae enticed them to go shopping.  

As Mr. Choi Jang Tae and the 4 Korean guests were walking towards a mall, three (3) unidentified male persons suddenly alighted from a “Chrysler” van (with yet unknown license plate) with drawn guns pointed to them, and ordered them to board said van, after which they hurriedly sped away from the area. 

Accordingly, the victims and their male captors traveled for about 20 minutes until they reached a place where they alighted from the van.  The victims were told that they were being arrested for illegal possession of “Marijuana,” after which, the victims were shown the plastic sachet of “Marijuana” allegedly found in their possession.

The victims were told they can settle the case by paying US$30,000.00 in exchange for their freedom and the subsequent dropping of the case against them.

One of the suspects Gil Il Bang alias “TOM”, Korean National also working as a tour guide, facilitated the transfer of money from Korea to Manila through Shin Woo Money Changer from Hana Bank at South Korea was also arrested in Candelaria, Quezon.

The other suspect, the victims’ tour guide, Choi Jang Tae, Korean National, who flew to Korea to evade arrest, was arrested in Korea as accomplice for the kidnapping, extortion and planting of evidence case which had been filed in the Philippines against him.

Police Station Commanders, Col. James Afalla (PS3) and Col. Rolando Balasabas (PS4) assured that all police officers will be charged accordingly and the cash amount taken from the victims will be returned accordingly.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 14 , 2012

LIM OFFICIATES MASS WEDDING TO MANILANS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning spent Valentines Day by officiating the mass wedding of 110 couples at Palma Hall, Universidad de Manila (formerly City College of Manila).  Some couples had been living together for the past 5 or 10 years without the benefit of marriage.

“Importante ang pagmamahal, kung anuman ang darating sa buhay nyo, ok lang ang selos dahil ito ay tanda ng pagmamahal.  Hanggang sa huli ng buhay ninyo huwag kayong maghihiwalay,” Mayor Lim told the couples.

While officiating the ceremonies, Lim declared his opposition to the legalization of divorce in the country, stressing the need to preserve the sanctity of marriage as a binding force between parents and their children.

Standing as principal sponsors at the Palma Hall for “Kasalang Bayan ngayong Valentine 2012” were Councilors Josie Siscar and Lou Veloso, Chairmen Thelma Lim, Ligaya Santos, Sally Dy, Edwin “Bal” Billanes, Guia Castro, Silvester “Boy” Dumagat, Ben Kalalo, Teresita Sicat and Irene Rillo.

Civil Registry Chief Encarnacion Ocampo took care of all the documentary requirements for the newlyweds.

Among the 110 newlyweds is the oldest couple Jose Jaca, 72 years old and Carolina Ibanez, 67 years of 2554 Lamayan St. , Sta. Ana, and 14 pregnant women.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 13 , 2012

MANILA CLARIFIES P500 ADDITIONAL   FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TEACHERS

MANILA City Hall authorities yesterday said the additional monthly financial assistance being given by the city government to the teachers had to be stopped after the Commission on Audit (COA) questioned its legality.

This clarification was issued by Ric de Guzman, chief of staff and media bureau director, who cited a memorandum dated November 21, 2011, questioning the grant of the said allowances to teachers and other national employees stationed in Manila and issued by city auditor Chito Ramires.

De Guzman stressed though, that the P2,000 regular financial assistance is being given to the teachers on an updated basis and that the only one questioned by the COA is the P500 being given additionally on top of the P2,000.

De Guzman likewise took exception to the reported pronouncements of some teachers that they are demanding for the release of the said assistance which the city government owes them.

“With all due respect, walang utang ang pamahalaang-lungsod ng Maynila sa kanila.  Ibinibigay sa kanila ang assistance na `yan bilang kabutihang-loob lamang ni Mayor Lim.  Hindi ito obligasyon sa parte ng lungsod at ito ay `subject to availability of funds’ o maaring ibigay kung kaya lamang ng pondo,” he explained.

De Guzman said the situation had been explained repeatedly to the teachers by City Hall authorities that included Dr. Ponciano Menguito, division of city schools superintendent.

Too, De Guzman stressed that the grant of such allowances to teachers was also questioned as `double compensation’, since they already receive salaries and other benefits from the national government.

It is not only the teachers who were affected by the COA memo but also other national employes such as prosecutors, judges and the police, he said, adding that the same memo had been issued to the Quezon City government and as such, city governments are bound to follow the COA.

“Alangan namang labagin natin ang utos ng COA?  Walang pinagkaiba ang sitwasyon sa araw-araw kang nagbibigay ng pera sa isang nangangailangan dahil gusto mong tumulong at may kaunti kang sobrang pera.  Tapos nung itigil mo dahil wala ka nang maibigay, sasabihin sa `yo di puwede dahil obligasyon na `yun?” he sighed.

De Guzman likewise stressed that each year, the city government suffers a deficit in its effort to sustain social services for its poor residents and that in power consumption alone, it owes Meralco a total of at least P600 million.

The audit observation memorandum issued by city auditor Chito Ramirez said that the COA has found the grant of such financial assistance to national government personnel assigned in Manila as `without legal basis’.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 10 , 2012

LIM THANKS CHINESE FILIPINO BUSINESS CLUB  

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim took the opportunity to thank members of the  Chinese Filipino Business Club, Inc (CFBCI) for their support to the city government in implementing the programs of the city, specially on peace and order, as he delivered his welcome address at the CFBCI 7th Biennial National Convention in Manila Hotel last night. 

In his speech, Mayor Lim said that the CFBCI is one of those organizations which immediately answered his call for support in 2007 when he reclaimed the Mayorship of Manila.

The CFBCI, according to the Mayor, has been very generous and helpful in implementing city programs on peace and order, thus the Mayor hopes for more and continues support from them.

Mayor Lim lauded members of the CFBCI for their organization’s plans and courses of actions to uplift the economy of the country as well as their noble purpose ‘to support the government in its goal of creating an environment conducive to job creation and economic advancement.

“Through cooperation of its members all over the country, the CFBCI has grown into one of the most revered and sought after organizations, not only in Binondo, Manila but throughout the country,”  Lim said.

The Chinese Filipino Business Club, Inc. led by its President Mr. Lino H. Uy, according to Mayor Lim, serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas with government officials on projects and programs such as beautification, clean and green; drug consciousness campaign; peace and order; medical missions including cataract operations.   These projects and programs, the Mayor said, are the same with the priority programs which the city administration implements.

“As you blaze new trails in ‘Strengthening Global Competition thru Business Innovation’, I am very confident that you could reach greater heights of success through unselfish cooperation of all the members.  You could also depend on your government’s help in achieving your goals.  Hence, my administration, the Philippine National police and the national government represented herein by the Honorable Secretary Robredo, I am very sure will be more than willing to help and support CFBCI’s plans to uplift the economy of our country.   Your noble purpose deserves not only our help but also our mutual support and cooperation,” Lim added.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 7 , 2012

LIM PRESENTS HI-JACKERS OF VAN WITH UNILEVER PRODUCTS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning commended Manila Police District Director Alejandro Gutierrez, Police Station 4 Superintendent Rolando Manatad Balasabas and his men involved in the apprehension of the suspects in the recent hi-jacking of a ten-wheeler truck loaded with assorted Unilever products.

The blue Isuzu ten-wheeler wing van/truck bearing plate no. TXD-536 seized by the suspects was loaded with assorted Unilever products worth about Php2.4 million for delivery to Cabanatuan , Nueva Ecija. 

Mayor Lim told one of the suspects, PO1 Sherwin  Casauran y Anor that he cannot use the police uniform as a sanctuary or shield to commit crime.

The suspects presented to the media by Mayor Lim are PO1 Sherwin Casauran y Anor a.k.a “Killua”, 33 years old and presently assigned at RPHAU-NCRPO, Camp Bagong Diwa Taguig City; Nico Manlapaz y Nancilohan, 19 years old, Alfredo Dimapilis, 42 years old, Elias Villamer y Celeteria, 45 years old, and Rodrigo Peralta y Dizon a.k.a. “Butchoy”, 34 years old.

“Nananawagan ako sa mga naging biktima ng hi-jacking na iprinisinta na namin sa media ang pulis na si Patrolman Casauran.  Baka makilala ng mga tao ninyo, driver, o pahinante, pumunta kayo dito para mabuksan natin ang kaso at madagdagan ang asunto ng pulis na ito,”  Lim said.

“Itong pulis na ito, hindi makakalabas at madi-dismiss na ‘ because I am recommending the filing for his  summary dismissal,”  Lim added.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
February 6 , 2012

LIM LAUDS DEVELOPERS OF FIRST CITY-OWNED COMPUTERIZED REVENUE SYSTEM

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim presented plaques of appreciation to Major Mar Reyes, Manila CHAPA, Engr. Youssef Ahmad, Executive Assistant III, Ret. Col. Romulo Ilagan, Officer-In-Charge, City Security Force (CSF) and Jehiel Revilleza, Electronic Data Processing (EDP) Officer-In-Charge at the Flag-Raising ceremony held this morning at the Freedom Triangle, beside Manila City Hall  

The Mayor lauded the awardees for developing the first city-owned computerized revenue system resulting in a thirty-seven percent (37%) increase in the city’s revenue collection.

In addition, the computerization of the city’s revenue system enabled the city government to uncover delinquent taxpayers and business establishments who have been operating without paying their dues to the city.

Mayor Lim also announced the early release of clothing allowances for Manila City Hall employees in the amount of four thousand pesos (P4,000.00) for each employee.

“Dahil maagang nakapangulekta ngayon ng ating mga buwis, pasalamat tayo doon sa mga awardees na tumulong ma-develop ang sarili nating computerized revenue system.   Kaya maaga din nating ibibigay ang inyong “clothing allowance,” mula sa araw na ito pwede nang ninyong makuha depende kung mabilis gumawa ang payroll clerk ninyo, “  Lim told the city employees.  

Also awarded were Carlo Peña, Vergel Anthony Santiago, Vergel Vincent Santiago, Jaime F. Paningbatan, Philip De Los Santos, and Joni T. Ching.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
January 27 , 2012

REMEMBERING VICE-PRESIDENT SALVADOR “DOY” LAUREL

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning led Manilans in commemorating the 8th death anniversary of Vice-President Salvador “Doy” Laurel with a commemorative program and wreath-laying ceremonies held at the latter’s monument in Pedro Gil Street corner Roxas Boulevard in Ermita.

The late Vice-President Salvador “Doy” Laurel’s widow, Mrs. Celia Diaz-Laurel together with Cocoy, Iwi, and Susana Laurel-Delgado joined Mayor Lim in the offering of wreaths at the former vice-president’s monument.

“Maraming nagsasalita tungkol sa mga bayani ng bayan.  Pero me mga taong nagbaya bayanihan, Sinasabi nila sila ang mga bayani. Ngunit ang angkan ng mga Laurel na pinangungunahan ni President Jose P. Laurel at kanyang mahal na anak ang ating Vice-President na si Salvador “Doy” Laurel , sila po ay pamilya ng mga bayani,” according to Mayor Lim.

“Si Doy Laurel, siya ang nanguna noong ideklara ang martial law na nanindigan at lumaban sa diktatorya at siya rin po ang nag-umpisa ng “noise barrage” noong martial law, iyon ay pagsigaw sa buong bansa na tayo ay tumututol sa diktatorya ngunit hindi tayo makakibo wala tayong imik dahil natatakot tayo.

Pwede tayong ikulong o idemanda pero walang takot, tumayo si Bise Presidente Laurel ang pagtutol sa ganitong gawain, bihira ang ganitong mga tao. Isinakripisyo ang sarili para sa bayan. At nanindigan para sa pagmamahal at  para sa kapakanan ng bayan dahil siya ang napupusuan para tumakbo laban sa diktador. Ang taong hindi iniisip ang pansariling kapakanan, sya ay nagbigay daan kay Pangulong Cory Aquino, na ayaw din tumakbo pero napilitan dahil din sa tawag ng mga tao,” Lim said.

Among the distinguished guests were Ms. Gemma Cruz-Araneta, Vice-Chairman, Manila Historical and Heritage Commission, Ludovico Badoy, Chairman, National Historical Commission, Dr. Ponciano Menguito, Dep-Ed Superintendent.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
January 25 , 2012

LIM PAYS TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT CORAZON C. AQUINO

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim today extolled the late President Corazon Aquino as `the personification of truth in public service’, with a call for those holding government positions to follow in her footsteps.

Welcoming the guests at the commemoration of President Cory’s 79th birth anniversary held at the Ninoy-Cory Aquino Park on Bonifacio Drive at the corner of Bonifacio Drive and P. Burgos Street in Ermita, Manila , Lim also cited the late President for restoring the country’s democratic institutions and governing the country with utmost honesty and dedication during her time.

The said occasion was graced by key personalities in the EDSA revolution and the Aquino government led by former vice president Teofisto Guingona and former Makati Congressman Teodoro Locsin, Jr., MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino, Manila Police District Director Chief Superintendent Alex Gutierrez,  city officials led by chief of staff and media bureau director Ric de Guzman as well as Manila Historical and Heritage Commission vice chair Gemma Cruz-Araneta and City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ponciano Menguito who joined the wreath-laying, councilors and students from the various public schools in Manila.

Lim called on those in the government and even from the private sector to emulate President Cory’s `shining example’ of transparency in governance.

This, as he expressed certainty that President Benigno Simeon Aquino III will never deviate from the ideals that his parents, the former and late Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. and President Cory, have been known for.

Yesterday’s commemorative activities, according to Lim, is the city’s way of acknowledging that Filipinos owe to the Aquinos the freedom we now enjoy.

Locsin, also a key official during the time of President Cory, meanwhile cited the role that Lim played in defending the Cory administration against those who were then out to grab power.

Keynoting the affair, Locsin recounted how on one of the coups, matters became a choice between bringing the US Air Force and Mayor Lim.

Locsin said Lim, who was then in France , had to be flown into the country via various ports into the vortex of events and to help contain the `enemies of freedom.’

Lim, who was director of the National Bureau of Investigation at that time, was attending an Interpol meeting in Lyon , France when he received the message that he was being requested to return.  He found a way to get to the 13th AirForce base in Tokyo where he was fetched by a private plane that took him to Clark Air Field and then the US Embassy grounds.

Locsin said Lim made the enemies `pay for what they tried and failed again to do’, adding that those considered as `the best’ fought for President Cory.

In an interview after the affair, Locsin continued lauding Lim for having fought against and beating the enemies of the Cory administration then.

“I wanted to be here for Fred Lim….I had a small part in the life of Fred Lim so I had to be here ,” he said.

The event was capped by the singing of songs identified with President Cory and the release of white doves and yellow balloons.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
January 20 , 2012

LIM ORDERS SHOOT-TO-KILL OF MAIN SUSPECT PO1 ERNESTO BINAYUG

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning called a press conference wherein he issued a “shoot-to-kill” order for the suspects, PO1 Ernesto Guong Binayug, Jr., a certain alias “Mac” and 2 other suspects who shot  Chinese businessmen: Heidi Hsu, 26 years old, Herbert Hsu, 24 years old and Tony Hsu, 67 years old along Madrid corner Lavezares St., in Binondo last January 11, 2012.

Heidi Hsu was rushed to the hospital but died on arrival, while Herbert and Tony Hsu were wounded. 

As per report of MPD-Police Station 11 initial investigation gathered from victim Tony Hsu, while he was riding his motorcycle along Lavezares St., he saw his siblings being grabbed by three (3) of the four (4) suspects armed with unknown caliber firearms.  When Tony Hsu reached the area and was about to help his siblings several shots were fired by suspects against the victims.

The suspects boarded their motorcycles and sped off towards south bound of Lavezares St. to escape.  Concerned citizens who saw the shooting incident helped the victims and brought them to Gat. Andres Bonifacio Hospital for medical attention.

“Ang sabi ko kela Gen. Alex Gutierrez to concentrate on this case at inatasan naman niya ang Homicide si Capt. Joselito Ocampo at Col. Ferdinand Quirante ng Ps11.  After so many days of follow-up, finally they were able to identify the main suspect which stand out to be PO1 Ernesto Binayug, Jr. stationed in NCRPO,” Lim said.

“In order to protect the safety of operatives, I am now issuing a shoot-to-kill order against  PO1 Ernesto Binayug, Jr. in case of armed resistance.  Ang pakiusap namin, sumurender na siya as promised by the mother, pero magmula kahapon hanggang ngayon hindi naman sumusurender, Lim added.

The assigned team conducted several operations and found out that PO1 Binayug was not at home, does not report for duty and is no longer visible.

Since said policeman is armed and dangerous, had already shot 3 people (one of them dead), the Mayor ordered MPD District Director, Gen. Alex Gutierrez and all police officers, the MPD Homicide under unit Capt. Ocampo and the policemen of precinct 11 where the incident occurred to intensify the hunt for the suspects.. 

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
January 16 , 2012

LIM GETS CASH DONATIONS FOR SENDONG VICTIMS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim's call for donations to victims of `Sendong’ in Mindanao got a big boost this morning after Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association (MACHRA), the sole group of legitimate media members covering the Manila city hall and barangay officials in the city handed over to Lim their cash and check donations respectively, during the regular flag-raising ceremony held yesterday at the Freedom Triangle in City Hall.                                                                               

The MACHRA officers and members present to hand over the group’s P15,000 cash donation for `Sendong’ victims were MACHRA president Itchie G. Cabayan (People’s Tonight) and  (from left) Jun Anzures of DWAD; Mylene Gregorio (Bulgar); Juliet de Loza (Abante/Abante Tonite); Boy Santos (Saksi/Bomba); Verlin Ruiz (Remate); Doris Franche (Pilipino Star Ngayon); Andi Garcia (Police Files Tonite); Pat Santos (Phil. Daily Tribune); Boy Gonzales (DZRH); Bert Pena (DZME); Ludy Bermudo (PM) and board member Jerry S. Tan of People’s Journal and Taliba.  

Although composed of private individuals coming from private entities in the media sector, MACHRA said it decided to respond to the appeal for help for `Sendong’ victims made by Lim, even if it is primarily directed to city government officials and employees.       

“We hope that this small gesture will snowball into greater help for our displaced countrymen in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities,” Cabayan said, as she acknowledged the same efforts made by the barangay officials.                                  

The barangay officials headed by barangay bureau director Atty. Analyn Buan meanwhile, donated P162,000 for the cause.                                      

MACHRA also expressed hope that the donations it gave this morning will stir others into also helping those displaced by floods in Mindanao and create awareness that the the victims are still reeling from the devastation.                              

Lim, for his part, said that despite recent news-breaking events, we should not forget that our countrymen affected by the said typhoon continue to stay in emergency shelters and in need of dire help.                                                      

Earlier on, Mayor Lim has decided to forego the holding of the annual public fireworks display as a way of ushering the New Year and instead donated P1 million each to the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan through Mayors Vicente Emano and Lawrence Cruz, respectively.                                                     

Simultaneously, Lim directed his chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman to coordinate donation efforts with all the heads of departments, bureaus and offices so that the donations whether in kind or in cash, can be sent by the city to the worst-hit areas altogether.                                                                             

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
January 11 , 2012

LIM JOINS 111TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF MANILA POLICE DISTRICT

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning joined MPD personnel and newly-promoted District Director, General Alejandro F. Gutierrez celebrate their 111th Founding Anniversary at the MPD Headquarters in United Nations Avenue.

“I spent the best years of my life at the Manila Police Department.  Half of my life I have given to this institution which I treasured and forever be my most cherished moments.  During my stint as police officer, I upheld the motto ‘ to serve and protect to the best and highest regard.’ And I will say that the PNP-MPD gave me as well, rewards even beyond my dreams.  I owe it to God, to the PNP-MPD and to all of you, what I have and what I am today!  If not for them and the PNP-MPD, I would not be here today,” Lim said.

Financial support is needed to be addressed for the upgrading of equipments, for the much needed patrol cars, for the training, shelter and other benefits according to Mayor Lim.

The Mayor said there is also a need to strengthen the basic tenets of human rights. Lim said it is important that unity and cooperation between the police force and the people be achieved in order to fight crimes.

The Mayor supports the order of the new PNP Chief, General Bartolome to assign one police  per barangay, who will act as the conduit  between the community and his unit.  That way, Mayor Lim said, the police force will plan and execute public safety services in coordination with the barangay officials.

The MPD’s celebration became more meaningful to its district director, General Alex Gutierrez, who received his promotion from a colonel to a general only yesterday. 

These year’s awardees are: Sampaloc Police Station (PS4) - best police station, Plaza Miranda PCP (PS-3) - best police community precinct, Traffic enforcement unit (MDTEU) - best district support unit, and Sta. Ana Police Station (PS-6) - best women and children protection desk in the unit.

Individual awardees are Station Commander of the Year - PSupt James J. Afalla (PS-3), Staff Officer of the Year - PSupt Roderick D. Mariano (D5), and Junior PCO of the Year - PCINSP Marcelo T. Reyes (Manila-CHAPA).

Among the kaibigan awardees are Ms. Itchie G. Cabayan, President of Manila City Hall Reporters Association, Don Emilio T. Yap, Chairman, Manila Bulleting Publishing Corp., Councilor Josefina M. Siscar, District V, Manila, Chairwomen Sally L. Dy, Brgy. 247, Zone 22 and Irene Rillo, Brgy. 631, Zone 64.

PRESS RELEASE
Manila Media Bureau
January 10 , 2012

MANILA SESSION HALL INAUGURATED

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso led the inauguration of the City of Manila’s newly renovated session hall this morning with Vice President Jejomar Binay as guest speaker.

The tech session hall is the first of its kind in the country introducing solar power technology to reduce electric bill.   Instead of spending thousands of pesos for the electric bill, the city government would have a huge savings which could be diverted as additional funds for education, health and other important projects of the city.

The newly renovated session hall furnished with new chairs similar to those in the U.S. congress also boasts of computers in each table with internet connection which will provide Manilans direct and immediate access to proceedings during city council sessions.

The renovations also included wood paneled walls and an improved elevator unit.

Mayor Lim praised Vice Mayor Isko Moreno and the councilors for the sacrifices they had gone through in conducting city council sessions on the road for almost a year while the session hall is being renovated.

“It may not be amiss to state, in this connection, that our Honorable Vice Mayor had exerted extreme sacrifice while this session hall is being reconstructed they conducted, for almost a year of what they called ‘sessions on the road’ in order to cope up with their sworn duty as city councilors,”  Lim said.

“Their total devotion and sacrifice is hereby duly acknowledged not only by my administration but also by our constituents who also attended the sessions on the road.  Again, congratulations and keep up the good work,”  Lim added.