Republic of the Philippines
National Police Commission
Philippine National Police
National Capital Region Police Office
MANILA POLICE DISTRICT
DISTRICT TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
Atlanta Street, Port Area, Manila

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
ALAY LAKAD SA KABATAAN 2010 / BAR EXAMINATION 2010
September 5, 2010 * 4:00 AM *Sunday

CLOSURE: (exactly 4:00 AM)

RE-ROUTING OF VEHICLES:

Return Trip (Pabalik) – same route

Likewise, on the same date (September 5, 2010) re- BAR EXAMINATION 2010

CLOSURE:

Stretch of Taft Avenue southbound lane from Pres. Quirino to P. Ocampo at exactly 5:00 AM up to 6:00 PM

RE-ROUTING OF VEHICLES:

Note: Please be advised to all examinees to come earlier to avoid delay going to Dela Salle University due to Alay Lakad 2010.

METRONEWS September 1, 2010
Lim to shed light on hostage tragedy
by Jerry S. Tan, Journal Online »

MANILA Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday defended Vice Mayor Isko Moreno for bringing the letter of the Ombudsman to Capt. Rolando Mendoza, which some claimed sparked the hostage-taker’s anger.

Lim said he will go to the Department of Justice tomorrow to shed light on the incidents that transpired during the hostage drama.

“Nakakalungkot na maraming nagkokomento ng kung anu-ano. Wala naman sila doon at hindi nila alam ang sitwasyon doon,” he said.

The mayor said Moreno merely volunteered to get the letter from the Office of the Ombudsman which guarantees that Mendoza’s dismissal will be reviewed.

“Para hindi na mabawasan ang mga pulis na kasama ni Gen. Rodolfo Magtibay doon,” he said.

Lim said Moreno was authorized by Magtibay and the mission was accomplished. However, Mendoza changed his mind and demanded his reinstatement after talking to somebody over his cellphone.

Lim said he ordered that Mendoza’s brother, SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza, be handcuffed after he became hostile during the hostage drama.

Hostage negotiator Supt. Orlando Yebra told Magtibay and Lim that instead of helping the authorities, Gregorio provoked his brother even more.

Lim later advised Magtibay not to handcuff Mendoza anymore because he was no longer aggressive.

Gregorio was about to be brought to headquarters when he ran away from the policemen and created a scene before the media.

METRONEWS August 31, 2010
Mayor Lim ready to face Senate
by Itchie Cabayan, Journal Online

“ I AM willing and ready.”

Thus said Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday, amid reports that he will be summoned to the ongoing Senate inquiry on the botched hostage-taking drama last August 23. This, as Ambassador Liu Jianchao of the Chinese Embassy expressed gratitude for the gesture of sympathy extended by the Philippines to the Hong Kong nationals who were killed, saying it will do a lot to appease the citizens of Hong Kong and China which continue to mourn the loss of lives as a result of the incident.

Lim made the statement after he and Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim led officials in offering a requiem mass for the slain victims. Present during the mass at the Quirino Grandstand were Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao, presidential sister Viel Aquino-Dee, some Cabinet secretaries, city officials and councilors led by Vice Mayor and presiding officer Isko Moreno.

After the mass which was led by Catholic bishops, priests and laymen numbering more than 50 and preceded by a Buddhist ritual held by 18 monks, the priests and officials present offered candles and flowers at the very site where the ill-fated tourist bus was parked.

Some 150 policemen from the Manila Police District lit candles and said prayers.

In an interview, Lim lamented that some individuals who were not able to offer any help during the 11-hour drama are now preoccupied with putting the blame on others.

“Wala kasi sila doon kaya ’di nila alam ang pangyayari. Not even (local government) Secretary (Jessie) Robredo or President Noynoy (Aquino III) should be blamed or faulted for not being at the site of the incident,” Lim said.

The mayor pointed out that during hostage-taking situations, only the hostage negotiator must be there to talk to the hostage-taker so as not to mess up the situation.

“Maski ako, maski Presidente, maski nga chief of police ’di pupuwedeng kumausap sa hostage-taker dahil magugulo lang ’pag madaming kausap. Tataas din ang demands niya kapag nakausap ang isang opisyal,” Lim stressed.

Lim also said he is ready and willing to face any inquiry into the incident, so that he may be able to shed light on what actually transpired on that fateful day. Regarding the concelebrated mass, Lim said it was held to pray for the eternal repose of the victims’ souls, stressing that as a people, all Filipinos, just like the people of Hong Kong, are also saddened by the tragedy.

Meanwhile, Bishop Broderick Pabillo took a sideswipe not only at hostage-taker Capt. Rolando Mendoza but also at government officials, politicians, the police and media for the roles they played during the incident.

Pabillo said what happened should serve as a constant reminder that “justice delayed” can have dire effects on our nation, in apparent reference to the complaint of hostage-taker Capt. Rolando Mendoza regarding the slow pace with which his case was being heard by the Office of the Ombudsman, which led him to commit the crime, and draw attention to his plight.

“There are so many out there still crying out for justice,” Pabillo said, as he called on those in charge of the dispensation of justice in the country to do their jobs well and soon.

Pabillo said that just like those in Hong Kong, the Filipinos also demand the same from government officials -- bringing out the truth naming who should be held accountable, without any cover-ups or using scapegoats.

On the part of the police, Pabillo stressed that their job is to be keepers of peace, stressing that they should “respect life and human rights to the utmost.” Politicians, meanwhile, should have a “deeper concern” which, he said, was not “manifested enough” during the hostage drama. The role of media, he said, should not be measured by live coverage but by “respect for authorities and basic rights.”

METRONEWS August 23, 2010
Thomas lauds Lim
by Jerry S. Tan, Journal Online

U.S. AMBASSADOR Harry K. Thomas Jr. lauded Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim for the significant support he provides for education through the establishment of colleges, schools and daycare centers that offer free education for those who have less in life.

At the commemoration of the 109th anniversary of the arrival of the Thomasites held at the Manila North Cemetery, Thomas cited Lim’s concern for education and said: “We commend him and others like him,” at the same time announcing that the U.S. government is committed in finding ways to be of help to problems facing education in the country, such as classroom shortages.

For his part, Lim, speaking before the crowd that included students and school officials, as well as city officials led by city administrator Jay Marzan, chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman and fourth district Councilor Eduardo Quintos XVI and Dr. Ambeth Ocampo, chair of the National Historical Commission, said the commemorative activities are the city’s way of showing its gratitude for what the Thomasites have done for Filipinos.

“They taught us the rudiments of democratic principles through the medium they were expert in -- English. We shall always be here to remember their sacrifices,” the mayor said.

Lim also stressed that the friendship between the U.S. and the Philippines is not an ordinary kind of friendship, but is one that is “based on blood, sweat and tears.” “They sacrificed for us and we also sacrificed for them. During World Wars I and II, our valiant forces fought side by side with the American soldiers in the fight for freedom and democracy,” he added.

METRONEWS August 22, 2010
Ninoy Aquino's 27th death anniversary commemorated
by Itchie Cabayan, MACHRA

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday said the Filipinos’ support for President Noynoy Aquino III should not end with voting him into power, saying P-Noy needs the continuing support of the public to ensure the success of his administration.

The mayor made the call during yesterday’s commemoration of the 27th death anniversary of former Senator Ninoy Aquino, Jr. held at the Ninoy-Cory Aquino Park in Ermita, Manila, where presidential sister Ma. Elena `Ballsy’ Aquino-Cruz also announced that their family has already forgiven those who had his father killed following the wreath-laying ceremony attended by Vice President Jejomar Binay, Congressmen Atong Asilo and Trisha Bonoan, National Historical Commission of the Philippines head Dr. Ambeth Ocampo and city officials led by secretary to the mayor Atty. Rafaelito Garayblas, Manila Historical and Heritage Commission chief Hemma Cruz-Araneta and Ric de Guzman, Lim’s chief of staff and media bureau chief, Senator Aquilino Pimentel and Metro Manila Development Authority chair Francis Tolentino, among others.

Lim, in his speech, extolled Ninoy and his wife, the late President Cory Aquino, for the sacrifices they made for the restoration of freedom and democracy in the country.

The mayor also expressed certainty that just like his parents, P-Noy will render nothing but good governance.

“Nakatitiyak tayo na hindi siya gagawa ng anumang pagmamalabis o susuway sa magandang palakad na sinimulan ng kanyang mga magulang,” Lim said.

Meanwhile, Ballsy thanked Lim whom he said `has always been with us’ adding that while their family has already forgiven those who were responsible for the death of Ninoy, they would still want to know what really happened on that fateful day of August 21, 1983.

Ballsy said all they are praying for now is that for those soldiers who have been pardoned by the past administration in connection with the death of Ninoy to write or talk about what they really know.

“Dalangin ko na na `yung mga na-pardon ay isulat o ikuwento kung ano ang tunay na nangyari nung araw na iyon para alam natin kung ano ang nangyari,” she said.

In forgiving those responsible for Ninoy’s death, Ballsy said they would rather not dwell on feelings that only bring pain and instead focus on the positive things that have been brought about by the late Senator’s martyrdom.

“Masakit man, iniisip naming pinlano ng Panginoon ang lahat para sa ating kabutihan. Kailangan nating magpatawad at hindi `yung iisipin natin ang masakit habambuhay,” she said.

METRONEWS August 19, 2010
Lim launches ‘Name that Fawn’ contest
by Jerry S. Tan, Journal Online

MANILA Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday launched a city-wide “name that fawn” contest for a rare offspring of a zebra and a horse born at the Manila Zoo recently.

Lim said the rare development is an added attraction that will lure more visitors to the zoo.

He personally went to the zoo to take a look at the rare product of zebra and horse’s interbreeding.

Parks and recreation bureau chief Deng Manimbo said the father of the fawn is a white native horse bullied by other horses at the stable.

Manimbo said they were surprised to find out later on that the zebra was pregnant until it gave birth exactly a week ago yesterday.

The 20-pound fawn looks like a horse, except for a few thin, black stripes on its hind legs and neck.

Lim said participants should coordinate with the office of his chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman.

Manimbo’s assistant Agerico Sebastian said the fawn will be kept under “guarded condition” for a month and will be fed with fresh cow’s milk mixed with syrup.

METRONEWS August 18, 2010
Manila observes Ninoy’s death anniversary
by Jerry S. Tan, Journal Online

MANILA Mayor Alfredo S. Lim will lead the commemoration of the 27th death anniversary of Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Simeon Aquino, Jr. on Saturday with the President as guest of honor.

Lim ordered chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman, Manila Historical Heritage Commission head Gemma Cruz-Araneta and city administrator Jay Marzan to arrange activities starting with the wreath-laying at the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Park on Bonifacio Drive, Intramuros.

“Senator Ninoy returned at the risk of losing his very own life. The democratic processes we now have, we all owe to the Aquino family so it is but proper that we acknowledge their sacrifices,” Lim said.

He added that President Cory continued what Ninoy started and at present the torch is being carried by their son, President Benigno Aquino.

Aside from the Cabinet members, relatives and supporters of the Aquino family, the ceremony is expected to be graced by members of the Ninoy Aquino Movement-SERVE, Spirit of EDSA, Aquino Association, CORVET (Cory’s Veterans), officials and employees of Manila, barangay officials, school superintendents and students from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and the City College of Manila.

METRONEWS August 2, 2010
Lim to MPD: Eradicate 'tongpats'
by Itchie Cabayan, MACHRA

Mayor Alfredo S. Lim will meet with the director and new station commanders of the Manila Police District (MPD) to discuss ways to improve the campaign against all forms of crime.

Lim said he called for a command conference which will take place today, also to enjoin the policemen in making sure that the call of President Benigno Simeon `Noynoy’ Aquino III to eradicate `tongpats’ or collection money from various kinds of illegal operations is heeded. Expected to attend the said meeting are MPD officials led by its director, Gen. Rodolfo Magtibay and District Special Projects Unit chief Senior Supt. Alex Gutierrez, among others.

The mayor said that with the new station commanders in place, he expects full cooperation in and the success of a renewed campaign against illegal exactions which, he said, usually comes from illegal vendors, public utility drivers and their operators.

Meanwhile, the new station commanders who were installed based on continous discussions between Lim and Magtibay, are set to assume their posts today.

They are: Senior Supt. Rogelio Rosales, Jr., Station 1; Senior Supt. Ferdinand Quirante, Station 2; Senior Supt. James Afalla, Station 3; Senior Supt. Frumencio Bernal, Station 5; Senior Supt. Jemar Modequillo, Station 6; Senior Supt. Ernesto Barlam, Station 7; Senior Supt. Felipe Cason, Station 8; Senior Supt. Francisco Gabriel, Jr., Station 9; Senior Supt. Orlando Mirando, Station 10; and Senior Supt. Ernesto Tendero, Jr., Station 11.

Similarly, Lim said a revamp of the different units at the MPD headquarters might also be made within the first week of August. This, he said, is aimed at improving the services being offered by the premier police force to the residents of Manila.

METRONEWS August 1 , 2010
Lim at Mosaic
by Itchie Cabayan, MACHRA

President Benigno Simeon `Noynoy’ Aquino III and Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday led the unfurling of a giant photo mosaic of the late President Corazon Aquino held at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta.

With the assistance of students from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) among others, the said giant mosaic was said to have been made out of more than 30,000 pictures of the late President which were collected by friends and supporters.


The mosaic will stay at the elevated ground of the Quirino Grandstand for one week, as part of the activities commemorating the first death anniversary of President Cory today.

Measuring 250 by 250 feet, the said mosaic had a smiling face of President Cory printed on a tarpaulin.

Meanwhile, Lim enjoined the residents of Manila to join in the simple commemoration of Mrs. Aquino’s first death anniversary which will be held at the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Park at 7:30 a.m. today.

Appropriate honors will be held to be followed by the offering of flowers at the monument of the late President, which stands side by side with that of her husband, former Senator Ninoy Aquino, Jr.

The monuments of the Aquino couple were built by Lim at no cost to the city, as a way of paying tribute to them and to serve as a constant reminder of how they suffered to restore democracy in the country.

METRONEWS July 30, 2010
Building Permit in 3 days
by Itchie Cabayan, MACHRA

Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday announced that the processing period for the issuance of building permits in Manila has been reduced to a mere three days.

According to city administrator Jay Marzan, Lim has in fact directed city building official Engineer Melvin Balagot and similarly instructed city planning chief Rodolfo Catu and other concerned units to also shorten the period within which applicants may be able to get their compliance from their respective offices and which are required for them to be able to get their permits.

Under building regulations, the issuance of permits may be done within a 15-day period depending on how fast the applicant is able to comply with all the required documents.

Balagot though, clarified that the three-day period applies only to those who have come up with all the necessary requirements and who have paid the required regulatory fees.

The city building office, in issuing building permits, covers the structural, plumbing, sidewalk and architectural aspects of the application.

Meanwhile, Balagot said he is mulling the idea of putting a one-stop-shop where all the requirements may be processed more quickly for the eventual issuance of building permits.

This, he said, is intended to boost the efforts of Lim to attract investors in the city by providing them with all the convenience possible.

METRONEWS July 28, 2010
Crime does not pay
by Itchie Cabayan, MACHRA

In Manila, crime does not pay.

This was stressed yesterday by Mayor Alfredo S.Lim as he announced the arrest of the three suspects in the holdup and killing of a female Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) medical student last July 24.

Lim also commended Manila Police District officials and operatives, led by Director Gen. Rodolfo Magtibay and District Special Project Unit (DSPU) chief Senior Supt. Alejandro Gutierrez for the swift resolution of the case by immediately identifying and apprehending the suspects in a matter of three days, even as he ordered that appropriate charges be filed against them.

Before this, Gutierrez, on orders of Magtibay, dispatched a team from the DSPU led by Chief Inspector Nicolas Pinon and SPO1 Manuel Pimentel to work on the case, thus leading to the arrest of suspects Kenneth Capili, alias `Take’, 21 of Nazareno Street; Remson Mateo, 16, student, of 1993 Katamanan Street and Justin Bautista, 21, also a student, of No. 820 Jose Basa Street. All of them are from Tondo, Manila.

It was learned that prior to the operation, an informant reported to the office of Gutierrez regarding the whereabouts first of Capili, leading to his arrest by a team led by Pinon and Pimentel, who recovered from him a cellphone believed to be from victim Mary Roxanne Musngi, 20.

From there, the group proceeded to where Mateo was and recovered from him the motorcycle which was used in the heist and as a get-away vehicle.

Pinon and Pimentel then proceeded to coordinate with Alvarez community precinct chief, Senior Inspector John Guiagui, so that they altogether effected the arrest of Bautista.

All three suspects were then brought to Guiagui’s station for record purposes after which they were transferred to the Raxabago Police Station 1under its commander Col. Roderick Mariano for proper disposition.

Musngi, also a Tondo resident, was reportedly on her way home from a hospital duty when the suspects blocked her path and announced a hold-up at knifepoint.

The victim was said to have resisted to hand over her backpack, prompting one of them to stab her. Musngi sustained four stabwounds.

METRONEWS July 27, 2010
City of Manila welcomes Donaire with a victory motorcade
by Itchie Cabayan, MACHRA

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday lauded boxing champ Nonito `The Filipino Flash’ Donaire, Jr. for once again bringing glory and pride to the country by successfully defending his title as World Boxing Association super flyweight champion.                                         
                                                                  
Donaire, an adopted son of Manila, paid a visit to Lim at 7:30 a.m. yesterday, along with some companions that included his wife Rachel.  His promoter Wilson Tieng of Solar Films was also there and they were all welcomed by Lim, his chief of staff and new media bureau chief Ric de Guzman, legal officer Renato dela Cruz and executive assistant Gemma Araneta as he presented to the mayor his championship belt.    
                            
During a press conference that preceded a motorcade that had Donaire and his companions in the lead vehicle and then Lim in the next, the mayor said the city government is studying how to reward Donaire for the feat, considering his status now.                                          
                                                         
Donaire, however, was quick to state that the outpouring of support and love being given him by the city, its officials and citizens `is more than a gift to me.’           

“Seeing the faces of Filipinos showing their love and that they are proud of me is enough gift for me,” Donaire said, as he thanked God for having given him the opportunity to become a great boxer.      

He also thanked Lim and the officials and people of Manila for making him family and a part of the city.                                          
                  
“Special people who help me out and support me give me inspiration.  They are part of my victory and of me pag andun na `ko sa ring,” he added.   

Donaire meanwhile ruled out the possibility that he will be joining politics just like boxer Manny Pacquiao who is now a Congressman representing Sarangani.          

For his part, Lim praised Donaire for his humility amid all the successes he had been reaping, even as he expressed confidence that he will reach greater heights in the world of boxing.                

Donaire said he would rather focus on helping develop amateur boxers in whatever way
possible, including lending his presence.    

The 27-year-old native of Bohol defeated his Mexican opponent Hernan‘Little Tyson’ Marquez in the eighth round of their July 10 fight in Puerto Rico dubbed, `The Challenge’.      
                  
Donaire said while he is looking forward to fighting another Mexican boxer,  Fernanto `Conchulito’ Montiel, the latter seemed to be ignoring him.

According to him, he never heard his name being mentioned by Montiel as a possible next opponent while he keeps on challenging the Mexican who presently holds the titles for the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight division.

METRONEWS July 26, 2010
Manila Zoo stays – Lim
by Jerry S. Tan, Journal Online

MAYOR Alfredo S. Lim yesterday assured residents that the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden will remain a leisure park and will not be converted into a commercial establishment.

Lim said he declined offers from some private companies and individuals to develop and turn the Manila Zoo into a commercial area.

He said the zoo was built by former Mayor Arsenio Lacson to provide affordable entertainment to the city’s children and adults.

Yesterday, he led the 51st anniversary celebration of the Manila Zoo where a new aviary was opened. It was attended by city parks and recreations bureau chief Deng Manimbo, Councilor Josie Siscar and executive assistant Gemma Cruz-Araneta.

The mayor also thanked the SM Hypermart in Adriatico for launching a “Baryanihan” for the benefit of the Manila Zoo and its programs for the animals.

SM Hypermart ad and promo supervisor Marian Papasin said the project urged shoppers to donate their loose coins to a community program. The program was initiated by their chief operating officer Herbert Sy.

METRONEWS July 21, 2010
Manilans warned against extortionists
by Jerry S. Tan, Journal Online

MANILA social welfare department head Jay dela Fuente yesterday cautioned residents against unscrupulous individuals using his name to extort money from illegal gambling operators.

Reports reaching Dela Fuente said that two men identified only as “Rene” and “Andoy” were demanding protection money from illegal gambling operators. He added the suspects claimed he sent them to collect the money.

“Rene” is said to be a former Manila policeman while “Andoy’ is still in active police service.

Dela Fuente denied knowing the two suspects, saying Mayor Alfredo Lim has ordered him to put a stop to all forms of illegal gambling.

“Wala akong kilalang Rene at Andoy at lalo namang wala akong pinaiikot para manghingi ng kung ano-ano. Higit sa lahat, walang ‘untouchable’ sa kampanyang inilunsad ni Mayor Lim laban sa lahat ng uri ng iligal na sugal,” Dela Fuente said.

He added that the mayor ordered him to arrest and charge anybody who might muddle the campaign or protect the illegal gambling operators.

Lim earlier launched a renewed, no-nonsense campaign against illegal gambling such as video karera, fruit games and color games.

He ordered all police station commanders to assist Dela Fuente to ensure the success of the campaign.

METRONEWS July 20, 2010
Lim hires 8 CCM students
by Jerry S. Tan, Journal Online

MANILA Mayor Alfredo S. Lim will hire eight students of the City College of Manila who topped the recent board examinations for social welfare.

The students visited Lim yesterday and thanked him for taking care of them “from enrollment to employment.” They were accompanied by their teacher Leilani de Oro and former Justice Rodolfo Palattao.

Lim ordered city social welfare chief Jay dela Fuente to arrange the appointment of the students so they can immediately start working.

“This is the city government’s way of giving due recognition to deserving students,” Lim said.

Dela Fuente said the board passers will be immersed in all kinds of community work to become full-fledged social workers.

De Oro said the CCM posted a passing rate of 90 percent during the recent exams.

METRONEWS July 15, 2010
P-Noy, Lim visit Typhoon victims
by Itchie Cabayan, MACHRA

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday said Manilans are lucky to have a President who truly cares for them.

Lim said this after he and President Benigno Simeon `Noynoy’  Aquino III jointly visited the other night the residents from Isla Puting Bato and Parola who were evacuated to the Del Pan Complex in Tondo after their houses were blown away by typhoon `Basyang.’

The President was accompanied by his secretary of the department of social welfare and development Dinky Soliman while Lim, on the other hand, was with his social welfare chief Jay dela Fuente when they personally checked out on the condition of the evacuees and there, distributed relief goods, clothings, food and blankets.

In that visit, Aquino directed Soliman to help the affected residents in whatever capacity the national government may be able to extend assistance, in addition to the efforts of the city government.

Meanwhile, Dela Fuente said the mayor had his hands full the whole day of Wednesday and yesterday providing assistance to victims not only of the typhoon but also of fire.

The total number of families affected in Baseco and who were brought to the Baseco covered court for temporary shelter reached 177 while the displaced families at the  Del
Pan complex went to as high as 332.

From the typhoon victims, Lim and Dela Fuente also visited the 135 families whose houses were razed by a fire in Lerma, Sampaloc.

The residents camped out along the said street following the fire rummaging for things they can still salvage or beginning to build their houses anew.

Lim ordered Dela Fuente to provide the fire and typhoon victims three square meals a day for three straight days aside from relief goods, clothings and blankets.

METRONEWS July 14, 2010
Typhoon Basyang hits Manila, Over 200 families evacuated
by Itchie Cabayan, MACHRA

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday mobilized all concerned units of the city government in the wake of the devastation wrought by typhoon `Basyang.’

As early as 2 a.m., Lim said social welfare department chief Jay dela Fuente and city administrator Jay Marzan started making the rounds of the city to personally oversee the evacuation of families living in high-risk areas.

A total of 135 families were evacuated from the seashore area of Baseco in Tondo to the Baseco covered court while another 86 families from Del Pan and Isla Puting Bato were brought to the Del Pan Complex in Tondo.

Lim meanwhile got irked upon learning that Dela Fuente had to forcibly open the gate of the said sports complex and destroy its locks just to be able to accommodate the evacuees.

The mayor has standing orders that sports complexes and covered courts must remain open and manned round-the-clock whenever a storm signal is raised in Metro Manila, for the reason that these sites automatically serve as evacuation centers during times of calamities.

Lim ordered an investigation into the matter so that appropriate measures may be taken against those at fault.

As of this writing, Dela Fuente and Marzan were directed to oversee the feeding of the affected families who were given breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as used clothings and relief goods.

Meanwhile, city engineer Armand Andres, Boy Franco, Metro Manila Development Authority Roadway Clearing Group chief and Engineer Jojo Alconera of the city electrician’s office spearheaded the clearing of roads and major thoroughfares which have been rendered impassable owing to fallen trees and posts.

Andres said the most problematic area was the stretch of Quirino Avenue from Leveriza to Adriatico where it took a while for the team to remove the huge, full grown tree that fell right into the middle of the street. The said tree fell onto some electrical wirings and knocked down three electric posts.

All streets and thoroughfares in the city have been cleared and passable again as of 1 p.m., Andres said.

METRONEWS July 13, 2010
Back P-Noy, Lim urges dads
by Itchie Cabayan, MACHRA

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim enjoined the support of the entire city council headed by Vice Mayor Isko Moreno as its presiding officer, for the administration of President Benigno Simeon `Noynoy’ Aquino III.

During a luncheon with the councilors, Lim said it is time to set aside political differences and start working for the betterment of the city and the entire country as well.

Lim said that just like him, President Aquino is likewise extending his hands of reconciliation to each and every member of the city council to support his administration.

The mayor also belatedly congratulated all the councilors for having won during the last elections, whether or not they belonged to his political party.

May the last elections be a constant reminder that we should all live up to the expectations of our constituents,” he said.

Moreno, for his part and speaking in behalf of the aldermen present, said that the council will support all the programs of the mayor that redound to the benefit of the city residents, especially the poor.

The vice mayor said that just like Lim, he and the members of the city council also have the same priorities as that of the mayor’s, particularly when it comes to health, education and basic services.

METRONEWS July 9, 2010
Lim destroys gambling machines
by Itchie Cabayan, MACHRA

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday warned those who will be caught giving protection or coddling operators of illegal gambling devices such as video karera machines that they will be met with the full force of the law.

Lim made the pronouncement as he destroyed some 100 units of video karera machines, fruit games and color game boards which usually lure youngsters into gambling.

The mayor said he has directed social welfare department chief Jay dela Fuente to spearhead a renewed campaign against all forms of illegal gambling in the city, especially those to which minors have ready access and to coordinate closely with the new Manila Police District (MPD) Director, Senior Supt. Alex Gutierrez to ensure the success of the campaign.

Dela Fuente, for his part, said that so far, only the commanders of MPD Station 1,2,3,7 and 11 namely Col. Roderick Mariano, Col. Ernesto Tendero, Col. James Afalla and Col. Jojo Rosales have complied with a directive issued for all station commanders to round up all illegal gambling paraphernalia in their areas of jurisdiction and turn them over to City Hall for immediate destruction.

In destroying the machines, Lim said that necessary measures will be taken against those who are behind the operation of such illegal gambling activities.

In the case of those who are in uniform, the mayor said he has instructions for Dela Fuente to institute the appropriate charges while, he for his part, will recommend their suspension.

Lim said his office is being swamped with complaints from concerned parents, teachers and residents regarding the proliferation of illegal gambling activities where even minors are given access.

Sadly, he noted, some minors spend their school allowance or even resort to skipping classes just to be able to play video karera or fruit games.

The mayor also expressed concern over reports that some youngsters take drugs to keep them awake all night and engage in such illegal gambling.

METRONEWS July 6, 2010
Lim meets Indian ambassador
by Itchie Cabayan, MACHRA

Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday assured members of the Indian community in Manila of ample protection against all forms of harassment.

During a meeting with Ambassador of India Yogendra Kumar, the mayor also said he is urging Indian community members in the city, whether locally-based or visiting tourists, to report to his office should they become targets of abuse.

In that meeting, Lim, who was joined by protocol officer for international relations Baby Villegas, learned that some Indian nationals who have settled in the country are being mulcted by their own compatriots who have made extortion their official business here.

The mayor said that since some unscrupulous individuals know who among their circle of compatriots or community have certain problems with their status, they instantly become prey for threats and extortion.

Sadly, Lim said, Indian nationals usually opt to just give in to the demand instead of reporting the problem to the authorities, for fear of getting into further trouble with the mulcters.

He also noted information that those victimizing their fellow Indians even to go the extent of instigating some equally unscrupulous local authorities to harass their prospects.

On this, Lim gave the assurance that he will not allow such illegal activities to go unchecked, once brought to his attention.

“I have time and again stressed that I will not countenance any form of wrongdoing especially those committed by men in uniform to oppress civilians,” the mayor stated.

Meanwhile, Lim said the Indian ambassador also extended an invitation for him to pay a visit to New Delhi, which happens to be Manila’s sister-city, for purposes of cultural exchange.

METRONEWS July 3, 2010
Lim at 1st WCOFGG
by Itchie Cabayan, MACHRA

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim has assured overseas Filipinos that the days are over when whistleblowers are the ones who suffer in the end.

Speaking before the 1st Worldwide Conference of Overseas Filipinos for Good Governance, Lim also extolled President Benigno Simeon `Noynoy’ Aquino III and his runningmate, Senator Mar Roxas, as `the most respected public officials in the country.’

The mayor told the overseas Filipinos that even if they are now based abroad, they can still propagate the `cherished and previous’ Filipino values by passing them on to their children and grandchildren.

“Ituro ninyo sa inyong mga anak ang magagandang tradisyon nating mga Pilipino,” Lim exhorted.

“Especially, let us teach the future generations not to lie, cheat or steal.  These are also incorporated in the Ten Commandments,” he added.

Lim said that under the administration of Aquino, the truth shall always prevail.

“Dati, pag nagsabi ka ng totoo, madedemanda ka o matatanggal sa puwesto. Kapag nagsabi ka ng di totoo, `yung pinakamagandang puwesto ang ibibigay sa `yo,” he said.

This, Lim stressed, will no longer be the case under the present administration which has vowed to stamp out wrongdoings in government.

According to Lim, Aquino will certainly follow the footsteps of his parents, former Senator Ninoy Aquino, Jr. and the late President Cory Aquino, who offered so much for our country.

“Umasa kayo na susundan niya at pamamarisan ang marangal, masinop, wagas at matapat na paglilingkod na ibinigay ng kanyang mga magulang para sa ating bayan,” Lim told the attendees.

METRONEWS July 2, 2010
Lim receive meds from ZPI
by Itchie Cabayan, MACHRA

Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday said all forms of assistance that will redound to the health benefits of Manila residents are welcome.

The mayor said this as he personally received medicine donations from the Zydus Philippines, Inc., with a call for other similar private companies to emulate the deed and share their blessings to the underprivileged by way of donating costly medicines.

Lim summoned the city health department represented by assistant chief Dr. Benjamin Yson and the directors of the six city hospitals –Dr. Mario Lato of the Sta. Ana Hospital; Dr. Marlon Millares of the Ospital ng Tondo; Dr. Fidel Chua of the Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center; Dr. Ma. Cecilia Cuaresma, Ospital ng Maynila chief of clinics representing director Dr. Jun Cando; Engineer Baltazar Babas, Jose Abad Santos Hospital administrator representing Dr. Teodoro Martin and Dr. Janet Tan of Ospital ng Sampaloc and instructed them to already subdivide the medicines among them as soon as receiving them from ZPI country manager Arnold Allan Rulloda.

Rulloda meanwhile said those donated by his group included medicines for hypertension, diabetes and pain and that such donations will be done on a regular basis as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility to give something back to the community.

The mayor thanked the drug company and Dr. Jessica Dee of the Ideal Vision Center who arranged for the donation and with whom Lim has partnered for his eyeglass donations to the poor Manilans who cannot afford to buy glasses.

Lim said the donations were most welcome coming at the first week of his new term as mayor of Manila.

In meeting with the drug company officials, Lim said the donations will go a long way to augment the existing stocks of medicines and revolving funds allotted for each of the city hospitals and the health department as well.

Health services, he said, is one of his priorities in the belief that a healthy population is the key to the city’s progress.

“When a person goes to the hospital for check-up, he is given a prescription. If he does not have the money to buy the medicine, he is already a candidate for the cemetery. This is why I have provided for a revolving fund for each of the city’s hospitals, so that the basic medicines may be given to the patients for free. So thank you for helping us with this,” Lim said.

METRONEWS July 2, 2010
Lim administers oath to City

Photo by: Tony Cunanan

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday called on the councilors that comprise the new city council to take their newly-received mandate as a challenge to give their all for the upliftment of the life of their constituents who voted them into office.

Addressing the city council at its opening, Lim also called on the councilors to put an end to political divisiveness and bury the political hatchet, now that elections are over.

Earlier on, Lim swore into office vice mayor Francisco `Isko Moreno’ Domagoso during simple rites held at the Bulwagang Antonio Villegas in City Hall.

Moreno’s wife Dynee was beside him during the oath-taking which was attended by city councilors and some department heads and where Lim once again declared Moreno as `the next mayor of Manila’. After that, Moreno went on to introduce the members of the new council who will also be taking their oath before Lim.

They were (first district)- Nino dela Cruz, Irma Alfonso-Yuson  and Erick Ian Nieva; (2nd district) Rodolfo Lacsamana, Ruben Buenaventura, Ramon Robles and Edward Tan; (3rd district)-Bernardito Ang and Re Fugoso; (fourth district)- Ma. Sheilah Lacuna-Pangan, Edward V.P. Maceda and Atty. Eduardo Quintos XVI; (fifth district)- Richard Ibay, Josefina Siscar and Raymundo Yupangco; (sixth district)- Dennis Lacuna,Jr., Beth Rivera and Luciano Veloso.

In swearing in the councilors, Lim said he would rather have them take their oath altogether instead of by district, in order to symbolize `unity and harmony’ within the council, the city government’s legislative arm.

For his part, Lim said he is open to reconciliation,stressing that he in fact did not bother to answer all the dirty issues thrown against him during the campaign period.

METRONEWS June 30, 2010
Lim takes Oath
by Itchie Cabayan, MACHRA

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim will join the mass oath-taking which will take place in Malacanang at 2 p.m. today (June 30).                          

Lim said that along with several others such as governors and congressmen, he will take his oath of office before Benigno Simeon `Noynoy’ Aquino III who, by then, has already officially become the Philippine President.       

It was learned that Lim will first attend the inauguration of Aquino at the Quirino Grandstand and then proceed to Malacanang in the afternoon.

The mayor said he will bring with him the Congressional candidates who won under his ticket so they, too, can take their oath with him.                             

Tomorrow (July 1), it will be the turn of Manila Vice Mayor Francisco `Isko Moreno’ Domagoso to be sworn into office by Lim, in simple rites to be held  at the Bulwagang Antonio Villegas in City Hall.     

After his inauguration, Moreno will stay on to witness the mass oath-taking of the city councilors who won in the recent elections.       

Moreno is expected to arrive this morning from the US, where he was the lone representative of the country to the International Visitor Leadership Program on “The US Mayor and Local Governments” held in Washington D.C. from June 5 to 29.                

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Republic of the Philippines
National Police Commission
Philippine National Police
National Capital Region Police Office
MANILA POLICE DISTRICT
DISTRICT TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
Atlanta Street, Port Area, Manila

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
OATHTAKING OF PRESIDENT ELECT NOYNOY AQUINO
June 30, 2010 * Wednesday

CLOSURE: 7:00 AM, JUNE 30, 2010  

• Stretch of Roxas Blvd. & Bonifacio Drive north and southbound from Pres. Quirino to Anda Circle.
• Stretch of P. Burgos east & west bound from Roxas Blvd. to Ma. Orosa
• Stretch of TM Kalaw east & west bound from Roxas Blvd. to Ma. Orosa
• Finance Rd./Taft Ave.
• Lagusnilad/P. Burgos

 RE-ROUTING:

• All vehicles travelling northward along Roxas Blvd. shall turn right Pres. Quirino to point of destination.
• All Cargo trucks travelling Osmeña Highway – right Pres. Quirino Ave., straight ahead to Nagtahan, AH Lacson, Yuseco St., crossing Jose Abad Santos straight Raxabago, Capulong to point of destination (vice-versa)
• All vehicles coming from Pier Zone/northern part of Manila intending to utilize the stretch of Bonifacio Drive/Roxas Blvd. shall turn left A. Soriano to point of destination.
• All vehicles coming from three (3) Bridges (Jones, Mc Arthur & Quezon) intending to use Roxas Blvd. shall go straight Taft Avenue, turn right Pres. Quirino to point of destination.
• PUJ’s/ other vehicles intending to proceed to Pier South coming from three (3) Bridges shall turn Victoria St., to point of destination. — MDTEU

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METRONEWS June 29, 2010
Lim, Razon talks
by Itchie Cabayan, MACHRA

MANILA Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and his erstwhile rival for the mayoralty post, former government peace adviser Avelino `Sonny’ Razon, had breakfast together recently.

In their first formal meeting following the elections, Lim and Razon saluted each other, shook hands and had a pleasant conversation devoid of politics.

Lim thanked Razon for sending him a letter conceding the last elections and congratulating him for his landslide victory.  Said letter was sent by Razon to the mayor’s residence early on in the canvassing process.

“Hindi ko tuloy alam kung magpapasalamat ako kasi baka mamaya pakana na naman nung isang kalaban `yung sulat at pinalalabas na galing sa `yo,” Lim said.

Razon, however, confirmed that the letter indeed came from him and that he decided to concede only hours after the elections were concluded.

The two meanwhile, discussed plans for the commemorative activities in connection with the 23rd year anniversary of the re-taking of the then government station Channel 4 (now ABS-CBN).

Lim and Razon are both participants in the said re-taking of the government station from rebel forces on August 27, 1987, during the time of then President Cory Aquino.  The entire process took place up to August 28 and was participated in by 137 officers and men who volunteered for the task.

The mayor was chief of the then Western Police District while Razon was then an aide of former President Fidel V. Ramos. Lim recounted that in the morning of that day, there was no action from the military which was apparently playing a wait-and-see attitude.  It was after Lim’s team successfully recovered Channel 4 at 12:45 p.m. when the military decided to assault Camp Aguinaldo at 4 p.m. already.                 
                                                        
The feat, he said, is the very reason why the WPD was awarded as the best police district in the National Capital Region even as all the officers and men who retook Channel 4 got their own share of awards.   

It was also during that time when then presidential son, now President-elect Noynoy Aquino, was ambushed.

Lim said that the commemorative activities will include paying tribute to the late Sgt. Eduardo Esguerra who was the lone casualty from Lim’s team during the re-taking process.

METRONEWS June 25, 2010
More Health Centers in Manila
by Itchie Cabayan, MACHRA

AT least ten health centers will be built in various parts of Manila during the second term of Mayor Alfredo S. Lim’s second incumbency.  

Thus revealed Lim as he, along with fifth district councillor Josie Siscar and city engineer Armand Andres opened a new lying-in and health center in the populous Baseco area, the second inaugurated by the mayor in a span of only two months.                          

Named after the late President Corazon C. Aquino, Lim said the new center is fully-airconditioned and comes complete with modern medical equipments and delivery rooms.  

Last month, Lim opened the Smokey Mountain health center which is also modernized and fully-airconditioned.

The mayor said the health centers are being established in order to provide the residents with utmost convenience when in need of immediate medical attention.    

With the health centers around, the mayor said residents no longer have to spend on fares or travel far for simple or basic medical needs.                                          

“Sa oras ng inyong pangangailangan meron na kayong matatakbuhan.  Hindi nyo na kailangang tumakbo pa sa Ospital ng Maynila dahil meron na kayong lying-in dito sa Baseco”, Lim said, noting that the rate of pregnancy in the said area is higher than in other areas.

According to Andres, the lying-in center where the female residents may deliver babies and the health center were built separately at one-storey each although annexed to each other, as Lim took into consideration that pregnant women may find it hard to go up and down the stairs.

The said center, he said, comes complete with doctors as well as dental equipments and is ready to serve the residents round-the-clock.

Andres said the other health centers are being built simultaneously, with the one in Parola the next which is expected to be finished soonest.

The said new health center is located across the President Corazon Aquino High School where the extension of the school building is on-going and is scheduled to open in August.

After the inauguration of the school building extension, Lim said the city government will embark on the building of a new public market also for the Baseco residents.

Meanwhile, Lim asked the residents to do their part in helping the city maintain the cleanliness in the areas surrounding the health center and school that had been built for them.

METRONEWS June 25, 2010
Lim fetes Noynoy, 10 Outstanding Manilans
by Jerry S. Tan, Journal Online

ELEVEN Outstanding Manilans were given recognition by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim in simple rites at the Manila Hotel in celebration of the city’s 439th foundation anniversary.

Assisted by secretary to the mayor Rafaelito Garayblas and chief of staff Ric de Guzman, Lim handed the awards to the recipients led by President-elect Benigno Aquino III for public service, 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, business tycoon Lucio Tan, Ricky Razon, Justice Antonio Carpio, actor Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon, Sr., Justice Edilberto Sandoval and Manolo Lopez.

Lim called on the awardees to continue inspiring Filipinos with their achievements.

He said Outstanding Manilans are rooted to the city either by birth, education or for reasons of work and livelihood.

“The determining criterion is how they have willingly and unselfishly contributed to the development and progress of the city of Manila and its inhabitants,” Lim said.

“We strictly adhere to the rule of law, transparency and honesty and that is why we give due recognition to advocates of truth, fairness and justice who relentlessly fight against corruption and courageously stand up for their convictions and principles,” he added.

METRONEWS June 24, 2010
Free Entrance at Manila Zoo today
by Itchie Cabayan

THE city government of Manila will be offering free admission to the Manila Zoo the whole day today, in celebration of the city’s 439th founding anniversary also today.                                                                                      

This was learned from city administrator Jay Marzan, who said that on orders of Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, visitors, both young and old, may avail of the free admission today from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.         

Meanwhile, the Manila City Hall, schools and government offices in the city will be closed today in view of the said occasion.        

Marzan said city hall operations though, will  return to normal tomorrow (Friday). 

Lim said Manila has a special reason to celebrate this year’s 'Araw ng Maynila’.     

“We expect a greater Manila with the entry of a new administration under President-elect Benigno Simeon `Noynoy’ Aquino III, who will surely support all worthwhile projects the city has lined up and that would redound to be benefit of the city’s poor and underprivileged citizens,” the mayor said.                           

For his part, Lim stated that this year’s celebration makes him profoundly thankful and indebted to the residents, for having given him an overwhelming fresh mandate in the last polls.                                 

Lim said that the 401,000 lead given to him by Manilans over his arch rival, ex-environment secretary Lito Atienza, the biggest so far in the city’s political history, will inspire him all the more to give his all in providing ways to better the lives of the city residents.   

Today’s line-up of activities include wreath-laying ceremonies at the Bonifacio Shrine, the Legaspi Tomb in San Agustin Church and Plaza Rajah Sulayman in Malate.         

METRONEWS June 22, 2010
All set for Noynoy inaugural
by Itchie Cabayan

Representatives of President-elect Benigno Simeon `Noynoy’ Aquino III tasked to make the necessary arrangements for the former’s much-awaited inauguration will go to the Manila City Hall today to meet with concerned units.

 Mayor Alfredo S. Lim himself will be around to receive and sit down in the meeting where some department heads and officials of the Manila Police District (MPD) led by its director, Gen. Rodolfo Magtibay, will also be in attendance.

The mayor said that particular coordination will have to be made with the Manila police for purposes of ensuring the peace and order situation before, during and even after the historic event and for the proper maintenance of traffic, a task which falls under traffic chief Col. Rizaldy Yap.

Since hundreds of thousands are expectd to troop to the Quirino Grandstand to witness Aquino’s oath-taking, Lim stressed the need to station health personnel who can attend to cases needing immediate medical attention.

According to Lim, he will do everything within his means to ensure that the incoming President’s inauguration will be nothing but a `smooth, peaceful, orderly and joyous occasion.”

Lim said the city government and Manilans take pride in Aquino’s having chosen the city as the venue for his oath-taking.

Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales of the Supreme Court (SC) will administer the oath and aside from family, friends, supporters and political colleagues, also expected to attend the affair are foreign heads of state and diplomats.

METRONEWS June 22, 2010
Ocular inspection
by Itchie Cabayan

MANILA Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday joined the members of the group coordinating the preparations for the inauguration of President-elect Noynoy Aquino III in conducting an ocular inspection of the Quirino Grandstand.

Joining the inspection was the group of Maria Montelibano and Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy from Aquino’s camp and from the city, chief of staff Ric de Guzman, Manila Police District Director Gen. Rodolfo Magtibay, district directorial staff chief Col. Alex Gutierrez and traffic chief Col. Rizaldy Yap, among others..

Lim said it’s all systems go for the Aquino inauguration as far as the city government of Manila is concerned.

He thus announced that all preparations that fall under the responsibility and jurisdiction of the city government have been threshed out and just awaiting implementation come June 30.

Among others, Lim said that eight ambulances will be put on standby in strategic areas each complete with doctors, nurses and utility personnel. In terms of security, Lim said Magtibay has already laid out plans that will entail the deployment of at least 2,000 policemen to provide security and maintain the smooth flow of traffic in Luneta and other areas adjacent to it.

“We will give our all-out support to make the occasion truly, a memorable one. We expect an outpouring of support for President Aquino on that day and thousands of people converging in Luneta to witness his oath-taking which is why we made the necessary preparations,” the mayor said.

During yesterday’s inspection, the details on the seating capacity was discussed along with the final construction of the scaffoldings which, the workers said, is expected to be finished by Friday.

METRONEWS June 20, 2010
Over 200 workers 17 minors saved from a sex den
by Itchie Cabayan

Mayor Alfredo S. Lim has ordered the immediate closure of a bar in Malate, Manila where over 200 women including 17 minors, were rounded up on reports that the establishment is fronting for prostitution.

Lim’s order was based on a recommendation made by Manila department of social welfare (DSW) chief Jay dela Fuente, who said that the minors, aged between 16 and 17, are still undergoing verification while remaining in the custody of the DSW.

Ordered closed down is the L.A. Café located at the corner of M.H. Del Pilar and Salas Streets in Malate, Manila including its annex just across the street.

Earlier on, a foreign-based group called the International Justice Mission (IJM) wrote Lim to complain about the operations of the L.A. Café which reportedly is very much into prostution, catering to foreign customers and which employs even minors.

A coordination was made by Lim’s chief of staff Ric de Guzman with the Manila Police District and the Department of Justice, through the chief of its anti-human trafficking unit, Col.Jess Kabigting.

A subsequent surveillance was made and once the information regarding its involvement in the flesh trade was confirmed, the said bar was raided by an inter-agency team and over 200 persons were rounded up, including those who are suspected to be working as pimps. 

The team was composed of representatives from the MDSW, MPD, labor department, IJM and the DOJ.

Dela Fuente meanwhile said that charges for violation of Republic Act 9208 or qualified human trafficking and Republic Act 7610 or anti-child abuse law were filed against the  managers identified as Emelinda Viray, Rodalyn Taja and Grace Perez; supervisor Lilia Montanilla and Carla Serrano and Nora Abellosa, who are reported to be working there
as pimps.

Before the operations, Dela Fuente said poseur-customers were used to check on the veracity of the reports that the establishment is being used as a front for prostitution and that even minors are being sold to sex-starved foreign customers at varying fees.

Negotiations, he said, are made right inside the bar and once the customer has made up his mind on his choice or choices, the haggling begins, depending on the age of the women to be taken out.

METRONEWS June 18, 2010
Morong 43
by Itchie Cabayan

THE relatives of the 43 health workers who were reported to have been illegally arrested in Morong, Rizal last February have sought the help of Mayor Alfredo S. Lim in seeking justice from the incoming administration of President-elect Noynoy Aquino.

The relatives of what is now known as `Morong 43’ said they sought Lim’s help based on the latter’s statements showing concern over the human rights violations committed against the health workers.  Among others, the workers allege that the search warrant used was defective and that they were subjected to various forms of physical and psychological torture.

Lim, for his part, assured the group that he will make the appropriate representations with the newly-elected president once he is sworn into office and then leave to his better judgement and wisdom what measures to take regarding the complaint.

During their courtesy visit at City Hall, the relatives of the health workers, who continue to be in detention, told Lim, his secretary to the mayor Atty. Rafaelito Garayblas, legal officer Renato dela Cruz and barangay bureau chief Atty. Analyn Buan that while the victims are no longer under constant threat of torture in the hands of their captors at Camp Capinpin, `they are still languishing in jail at Camp Bagong Diwa without any legal or moral justification.’

They also expressed exasperation over the fact that their appeal regarding their petition for a writ of habeas corpus continues to pend before the Court of Appeals after more than three months.

The group told Lim they are hoping that since Aquino and his family have experienced similar repressive measures in the past, he will never allow such things to continue under his administration.

The health workers’ relatives also told Lim that among those detained are two midwives, a registered nurse and two doctors, one even a product of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) which is run by the city government while the other is a head nurse of the operating room at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.  Too, they said, one of the remaining health workers is suffering from epilepsy while another is pregnant and is due for delivery next month.

They also assured Lim that those arrested are legitimate volunteers rendering community health services.

The `Morong 43’ were arrested last February 6 in Morong, Rizal during a raid by joint elements from the 202nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army and the Rizal Provincial Police.

The complainants said they were undergoing training in a compound owned by Dr. Melecia Velmonte, professor emeritus of the University of the Philippines college of medicine when the raid took place. 

The raiding officers, on the other hand, allege that the group of workers were training on making bombs when arrested and are members of the New People’s Army (NPA), a charge vehemently denied by the arrested individuals.

METRONEWS June 17, 2010
Manila prepares for President-elect Benigno `Noynoy’ Aquino III inauguration
by Itchie Cabayan

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday assured that the scheduled inauguration of President-elect Benigno `Noynoy’ Simeon Aquino III on June 30 will be `peaceful, orderly and joyous.’

The mayor also said that coordination meetings between City Hall representatives and those from the camp of Aquino are underway to iron out the details of the oath-taking which is slated to take place at the Quirino Grandstand. Lim said that particular concerns are tackled in the aspects of traffic, security and health, since thousands are expected to troop to the place on the same day to witness the historic event.

Aside from the Manila Police District, the mayor said also involved in the talks are officials from the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Presidential Security Group.

“I am confident that the PNP and the MPD alone can very well take care of any unexpected events that may arise during the occasion,” the mayor stressed. On the part of City Hall, Lim said all concerned units will be mobilized on the said day, especially those in charge of maintaining traffic.

Ample health personnel will also be on standby to attend to those who may need medical help, he said.

Lim said Manila takes pride in having been chosen by the incoming president as the site for his oath-taking.

METRONEWS June 17, 2010
Porn discs and magazines destroyed
by Itchie Cabayan

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday affirmed his commitment against all forms of pornography as he led the destruction of seized smut materials at the City Hall quadrangle.

Along with Stop Trafficking of Pilipino (STOP) foundation board officials Rita Reverente and Atty. Henrietta Mendez, Lim himself fed into the shredding machine the thousands of pornographic reading materials as well as the digital and compact video discs seized in separate police operations by men under Col. James Afalla, commander of the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 3.

The said materials were contained in more than ten boxes and Afalla said the seizure was a result of a two-week operation in Quiapo, Avenida, Barbosa and Hidalgo Streets. Each box, he said, contained at least 500 discs. Lim, according to Mendez, had been supportive of STOP’s campaign against pornography even way before Lim first became mayor in 1992.

“What we are continuously doing is preventive. We have to protect our youngsters against having access to these kinds of materials as these might induce them into committing offenses against chastity,” the mayor stressed.

Lim likewise called on the public to stop patronizing such smut materials as they promote nothing but worldliness, crimes and unwanted pregnancies.

He also lauded Afalla for the confiscations made and enjoined all other station commanders to also ensure that their respective areas of jurisdiction are kept smut-free.

METRONEWS June 16, 2010
All-out war against illegal gambling
by Itchie Cabayan

AN all-out war against all forms of illegal gambling was declared by Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim with a warning to all police officers against using their position to coddle such illicit activities.

The mayor also tasked Jay dela Fuente, chief of the city’s department of social welfare, to lead in the campaign `no matter who gets hurt.’ In a meeting with commanders of the various police stations in the city, Lim also asked the police chiefs to ensure that all necessary assistance is given to Dela Fuente in the course of carrying out his (Lim’s)
orders.

“Walang arbor-arbor. Pag me nagpupumilit, kasuhan pati `yung umaarbor,” Lim stressed to Dela Fuente in the presence of the police officials.

Lim particularly cited reports on how certain illegal gambling activities such as video karera and color games entice minors, thus causing problems for parents.

Reports also have it that minors are being employed in the operation of such illegal gambling activities, he said.

According to the mayor, complaints reaching him said that the minors who are given access to such forms of gambling usually get addicted and thus lose interest in their studies.Worse, he said, some may entertain the thought of stealing either from their parents or others just to sustain their vice.

Video karera is played through machines where a player drops coins into a slot to be able to play. These machines may be operated even in a garage or a backyard.

In the case of color games, all that a child has to do is bet on which color the dices will fall once they are rolled. The color games are easily foldable and usually operated right in the middle of the streets to attract players.

METRONEWS June 15, 2010
Lim orders closure of 6 dorms
by Jerry S. Tan, Journal Online

MANILA Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday warned dormitories, boarding and lodging houses operating without the necessary licenses and permits will be padlocked.

Lim’s warning came following reports that there are such establishments which do not comply with the city’s building and fire code regulations.

City administrator Jay Marzan found out during inspection that some boarding houses and dormitories in Sampaloc, San Miguel and Quiapo are violating the rules set by the local government.

Based on Marzan’s recommendation, Lim ordered the immediate closure of six dormitories — PJ Mansion, Inc., Remedios Abia and Stella Chuaquioco Manubay, all in Sampaloc; Ryan Santos and JT Ladies Bedspacer, in Quiapo and Alera in San Miguel.

The six establishments were found to be operating without permits. They also lack anti-fire equipment. Others have no health certificates.

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Republic of the Philippines
National Police Commission
Philippine National Police
National Capital Region Police Office
MANILA POLICE DISTRICT
DISTRICT TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
Atlanta Street, Port Area, Manila

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
112TH PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION
June 12, 2010 * 7:00 AM *Saturday

CLOSURE: Part I (FLAG RAISING & WREATHLYING) – 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM  
Stretch of Roxas Blvd. north and southbound lane from Katigbak to TM Kalaw

RE-ROUTING:

-All vehicles travelling southward coming from Delpan Bridge-Pier Zone shall turn left P. Burgos right Ma. Orosa to point of destination

-All vehicles travelling northward along Roxas Blvd. shall turn right TM Kalaw to point of destination.

-All vehicles coming from three (3) Bridges McArthur, Jones and Quezon Bridge intending to utilize the southbound lane of Roxas Blvd. from P. Burgos shall take Round Table, take Ma Orosa to point of destination.

-All Cargo trucks travelling Osmeña Highway - right Pres. Quirino Ave., straight ahead to Nagtahan, AH Lacson, Yuseco St., crossing Jose Abad Santos straight Raxabago, Capulong to point of destination. (vice-versa)

CLOSURE: PART II (CIVIC AND MILITARY PARADE) – 12:00 NN onwards

-Stretch of Roxas Blvd., & Bonifacio Drive north and southbound from Anda Circle to Pres. Quirino.

-Stretch of P. Burgos east & west bound from Roxas Blvd. to Ma. Orosa

-Stretch of TM Kalaw east & west bound from Roxas Blvd., to MH del Pilar.

-Finance Rd./Taft Ave.

-Lagusnilad/P.Burgos

RE-ROUTING:

-All vehicles travelling northward along Roxas Blvd. shall turn right Pres. Quirino to point of destination.

-All Cargo trucks travelling Osmeña Highway – right Pres. Quirino., straight ahead to Nagtahan, AH Lacson, Yuseco St., crossing Jose Abad Santos straight Raxabago, Capulong to point of destination.

-All vehicles coming from Pier Zone/northern part of Manila intending to utilize the stretch of Bonifacio Drive/Roxas Blvd. shall turn left A. Soriano to point of destination.

-All vehicles coming from three (3) Bridges (Jones McArthur and Quezon) intending to use Roxas Blvd. shall go straight Taft Avenue, turn right Pres. Quirino to point of destination.

-PUJs/other vehicles intending to proceed to Pier South coming from three (3) Bridges shall turn right Victoria St., to point of destination. — MDTEU

————————————————————————————————————————

METRONEWS June 11, 2010
Flags
by Itchie Cabayan

Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday called on the Manila residents to celebrate the country’s Independence Day tomorrow with much enthusiasm under renewed hopes of a better future under the administration of President-elect Benigno `Noynoy’ Simeon Aquino III.

Lim made the pronouncement after receiving from the Chinese- Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI) officers headed by president Lino Uy, vice-president Lao Giok Chiao, immediate past president Siy Yap Chua and director Stephen Sia a total of 100 flaglets during their courtesy visit at City Hall.

The flaglets, according to Lim, will be distributed to the city’s public elementary and high schools for them to display in line with the Independence Day celebrations.

The mayor said this year’s Independence Day commemoration is special in that the country will be led by a new President, in the person of Aquino.

“President Aquino has promised to rid the country of corruption and I am certain he will, considering his untainted record as a public official for the past many years as a Congressman and a Senator of the Republic,” Lim stressed.

Lim also enjoined the residents and all Filipinos to unite under and extend their all-out support to the Aquino administration to help ensure its success and efforts toward a better life for all.

The mayor expressed optimism that Aquino will follow the footsteps of his parents, the late President Cory Aquino and Senator Benigno `Noynoy’ Aquino, Jr., who both sacrificed a lot for the country.

“I am sure that President Aquino will live up to the high expectations of the more than 15 million Filipinos who voted for him by emulating the good governance exemplified by President Cory and the dedication to public service displayed his father, Senator Aquino,” Lim said. 

Meanwhile, Lim also called on the residents to display patriotism by putting up the Philippine flag outside their homes as a way of expressing their love of county.

Too, he enjoined the youngsters to remember the Philippine heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom and emulate their examples by being good citizens and doing everything to contribute to the upliftment of the Filipinos and the country in general..

METRONEWS June 5, 2010
Dorms Inspected
by Itchie Cabayan

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday ordered City Hall authorities to ensure that the opportunity for `Peeping Toms’ to operate in dormitories, bed spacing establishments, apartels and other temporary shelters for students is eliminated.

Lim also directed the Manila Police District (MPD) officers handling the case of the lady boarder who filed a complaint against a Malacanang official for peeping on her to immediately file a case of unjust vexation against the suspect, identified as Renante Diamola, 26, reportedly a staff member of the Internal House Affairs Office in Malacanang.

The mayor said no action will be taken against the dormitory or its owner, as he expressed optimism that Diamola was acting on its own.

Just the same, he directed city administrator Jay Marzan to talk to the dormitory owner and make sure that the same crime does not happen within his or her place again.

Lim also directed the City Hall inspection team which had been doing the rounds on dormitories and other establishments engaged in bed spacing and lodging to include the checking of walls and other possible `Peeping Tom’ schemes.

The mayor was also emphatic in saying that mixing boys with girls should also not be allowed.

Among others, Lim said being checked are proper ventilation, necessary number of fire exits, proper segregation of male and female boarders and sanitation facilities.

METRONEWS June 2, 2010
FAIR TODAY
by Itchie Cabayan

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim is inviting all parents, especially the indigent ones, to take advantage of cheap school supplies which will be sold during a one-day trade fair that will take place the whole day today (June 2).

The said fair is jointly undertaken by the city government under city administrator Jay Marzan and Lim’s city chief of staff Ric de Guzman on one /hand, and the Department of Trade and Industry under assistant secretary Ferdie Manfoste on the other.

Marzan said the project came about as part of Mayor Lim’s efforts to make education as affordable as possible for the parents, who are usually burdened with expenses during enrolment time.

With the trade fair, Marzan low-priced school supplies, such as notebooks, pencils, ballpens, school bags and other items being used in school, will be sold at factory prices, along with school uniforms both for girls and boys.

The reason for this, he said, is that the items were supplied by the manufacturers themselves.

Marzan explained that aside from being at factory prices, the items which will be on sale
will also be discounted by the DTI at varying ranges of up to 30 percent.

“Mura na, de kalidad pa ang mga mabibili ng mga magulang sa trade fair,” he stressed, adding that Lim is particularly calling on the poor families to take advantage of the cheap-priced school items, compared to their prices when sold in malls and bookstores.

The said trade fair will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Arroceros Forest Park which is a few meters away from the Manila City Hall, Marzan said.

METRONEWS June 1, 2010
LIM vs SMOKING
by Itchie Cabayan

Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday led the observance of this year’s World No Tobacco Day in Manila by posting `No Smoking’ stickers in public utility vehicles (PUVs).

Joined by his chief of staff Ric de Guzman, who is also chair of the activity in Manila and city administrator Jay Marzan, Lim climbed up some airconditioned buses and jeepneys to put up the stickers himself and remind both drivers and passengers about the prohibition of smoking inside public utility vehicles.

Lim told them the move is aimed at protecting the public from the ill effects of smoking as well as the inhalation of second-hand smoke.

He also pointed to a portion of the sticker where it is stated that the fine for those caught smoking in PUVs ranges from P500 to P10,000.

“Inilalagay namin ang mga sticker na ito para sa proteksyon ninyo. `Yung mga gustong manigarilyo, pababain na lang ninyo,” Lim told the commuters and drivers.

Every May 31st of the year, the World No Tobacco Day is celebrated by the World Health Organization with the aim of creating awareness on the risks and hazards posed by smoking.

METRONEWS May 24, 2010
Check school facilities – Isko
by Jerry S. Tan, Journal Online

ACTING Manila Mayor Isko Moreno yesterday ordered city hall officials to check the structural soundness of the 103 public elementary and high schools in the city in time for the opening of classes next month.

Moreno instructed engineer Melvin Balagot to inspect school buildings and ensure that facilities are functional including lightings, comfort rooms, sewers and water supply.

He said the welfare of the students is always a top priority of Mayor Alfredo Lim.

Moreno urged teachers and students’ parents to support the “Brigada Eskuwela” program of the Department of Education.

The program boosts the city government’s preparations for the school opening. It encourages faculty members and parents to help in cleaning classrooms and repainting of chairs and tables, among others.

METRONEWS May 13, 2010
VICTORY MOTORCADE
by Itchie Cabayan

A VICTORY motorcade that will go around the six districts of Manila will be held by Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno to thank the residents who gave the duo a `historic lead’ over their rivals during the recently-concluded elections.

The motorcade, Lim said, will be held the whole day with Luneta Park as the tentative starting point.

Joining Lim and Moreno will be their four congressional candidates who also made it, namely Naida Angping (3rd district); Sandy Ocampo (6th district); Atong Asilo (1st district) and Carlo Lopez (2nd district).

It was learned that the councilors who also won under the Lim-Isko ticket will be holding their separate activities to thank those who voted for him, since having all the candidates join in the motorcade will cause much traffic and inconvenience to the motorists..

Today (Friday), a thanksgiving mass will be held at the Manila City Hall quadrangle in view of the hoverwhelming victory clinched by Lim and Moreno over their rivals during the recently-concluded elections.

It will be recalled that before voting last May 10, Lim also paid a church visit at the Santo Espiritu Parish Church in Tondo to thank God for all his achievements and ask for blessing, prior to which he also lit a candle for his deceased grandparents who raised him.

The mass, Lim said, will be held at 4:30 p.m. with City Hall employees and supporters.

Seasoned politician Bernie Ang, who also won his sixth term as third district councilor, said that the Lim-Isko tandem set the record of having garnered the biggest lead over their opponents in the history of Manila politics.

The city canvass report from the Comelec showed that the total number of votes garnered by Lim was 395,910 compared to Atienza’s 181,094, with a difference of 214,816 votes. Moreno, on the other hand, got 498,656 votes over Lourdes Isip-Garcia’s 116,508 votes, for a difference of over 350,000 votes.

METRONEWS May 12, 2010
OPERATION CLEAN-UP
by Itchie Cabayan

Mayor Alfredo Lim yesterday started the removal of campaign posters all over Manila, with a call for other candidates to help the city by removing their own posters from the walls, islands and posts where they put up all the said paraphernalia.

He was aided by George Go Pen Siong and Dr. Lorenzo Ku, president emeritus and president of the Association of Volunteer Fire Chiefs and Firefighters of the Philippines, Inc., who said that they will be helping Lim in the clean-up operations which will last for two weeks.

The clean-up operation was launched along Taft Avenue, before reaching the Manila City Hall.

Lim used the powerful fire hose and started the operation with his own posters, while the personnel from the department of public services led by their chief Ret. Col. Carlos Baltazar helped by removing the wet posters with their tools.

Meanwhile, chief of staff Ric de Guzman said that the questions being raised by defeated mayoralty candidate Lito Atienza regarding the election results are better directed at the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“Basta kami, walang ginawang masama at labag sa batas ng eleksyon. Alam ng buong Maynila kung sino ang may ginawang hindi tama at hindi kami `yun,” De Guzman said.

He also cited that based on the city canvass report from the Comelec, the total number of votes garnered by Lim was 395,910 compared to Atienza’s 181,094, with a difference of 214,816 votes.

De Guzman said if the figures are not convincing enough for Atienza, it is his right to question.

Just the same, he said the Comelec deserves to be commended for the credible and quick results which eliminated the chance of cheating.

METRONEWS May 11, 2010
Lim, Isko Proclaimed
by Jerry S. Tan, Journal Online

THE Commission on Elections yesterday proclaimed Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso as winners in last Monday’s elections.

The City Board of Canvassers declared Lim and Moreno winners at 3:30 p.m. in front of their cheering supporters at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Lim, who got 395,910 votes, bested Lito Atienza with 181,094 and Avelino Razon with 84,605 votes.

Moreno garnered 498,609 votes and beat Bonjay Isip-Garcia with 119,380 votes.

Lim and Moreno thanked their supporters and vowed to work even harder for the welfare of the poor.

“Salamat naman at nanaig ang katotohanan at walang naniwala sa mga paninira sa amin ni Vice Mayor Isko. Hindi na nga namin alam kung paanong salag ang gagawin sa dami ng putik na ibinato sa amin,” he said.

He added that all his hard work during the campaign paid off.

“Makakaasa ang mga taga-Maynila na hindi sila mabibigo sa kanilang muling pagtitiwala sa amin,” he said. Moreno said the results of the elections proved that Manilans know by heart the kind of leadership that Lim showed them.

METRONEWS May 10, 2010
Lim-Isko makes it!
by Itchie Cabayan, Journal Online

“NAGPAPASALAMAT ako sa mga taga-Maynila sa muling pagtitiwala nila sa amin ni Isko. Salamat sa mga hindi humiwalay kahit katakot-takot ang paninira sa akin.” Thus beamed Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim as he and running mate Vice Mayor Isko Moreno won their reelection bids over their respective rivals by a landslide yesterday.

Lim thanked his supporters and majority of Manilans for voting for him and Moreno amid the dirty tactics and black propaganda hurled by his political foes.

“Umasa sila na bibigyan ko ng pagpapahalaga ang kanilang pagtitiwala at pag-iibayuhin ko pa ang paglilingkod. Salamat at di tumalab ang kasinungalingan at paninira sa aking pamahalaan at pagkatao,” the reelected mayor triumphantly stressed.

With his victory, Lim urged all Manilans to forget divisive politics and instead work together for a better city. He also stressed that the truth conquered all lies that tried to destroy him and his administration.

“Kalimutan na ang pulitika at nakaraan na yan. Magtulong- tulong tayo at magkaisa. Nananawagan kami sa lahat na makipagtulungan. Let us work together for the higher interest of Manilans. Salamat at di tumalab ang mga paninira. Pinatatawad ko na lahat ng nanira. Salamat at nanaig ang katotohanan laban sa kasinungalingan,” Lim said.

Reelected Vice Mayor Isko Moreno said the outcome of the elections in Manila only proved which tandem truly cared for the poor and was determined to improve city residents’ living conditions.

“Thank you for trusting the Lim-Isko tandem. Salamat at nangibabaw at nakita ng mamamayang Maynila ang tunay na malasakit ng pamahalaang lungsod laban sa paninira sa amin. Katunayan ito na nakikita ng mga tao kung sino ang tunay na may malasakit at tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng mahihirap pagdating sa edukasyon at healthcare system,” said Moreno.

Moreno vowed that the Lim-Isko tandem will continue to render quality and life-enhancing services to Manilans.

“Ipagpapatuloy ng Lim-Isko tandem ang pananatli ng mga serbisyong yan dagdag pa ang usaping pabahay. Salamat sa lahat ng bumoto at naniniwala sa amin at sa mga di pumayag na umiral ang kasinungalingan laban sa katotohanan,”said Moreno.

As of 9:30 p.m. last night Lim got 252,889 votes while ex-Environment Secretary Lito Atienza got 112,129 votes. Ex-PNP chief and national peace adviser Gen. Avelino Razon got 55,909 votes.

METRONEWS May 10, 2010
MANILA ELEC
by Itchie Cabayan

EVEN in voting, the odds seemed to have favored the tandem of reelectionists Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno.

This, as Lim and Moreno, voting separately, both swiftly finished casting their ballots while one of Lim’s rivals, ex-environment secretary Lito Atienza was stalled for some two hours after the PCOS machine in his polling precinct at the Rafael Palma Elementary School in San Andres Bukid malfunctioned.

Both Lim and Moreno, on the other hand, were also stalled but only because they were mobbed by the residents who were also voting in the same precincts and who wildly cheered while repeatedly chanting their names as they assured the unbeatable duo of continued support. Lim voted at the R. Almario Elementary School at around 9 a.m. while Moreno voted at the Manuel Luis Quezon Elementary School also in Tondo at shortly past 10 a.m.

Before voting, Lim visited the remains of his deceased grandparents and lit a candle for them, after which he said some prayer at the Espiritu Santo Parish Church in Tondo. Lim said what he is now, he owes to his grandparents who raised him.

According to Lim, it had been his practice to pay his respects to his grandparents and then visit the church before voting, during election days.

“I thank my grandparents for having raised me. All the positions I held and what I am today, I owe it all to them. They taught me nothing but good values, to be kind, not to oppress anybody and most especially, to never cheat and lie,” the mayor said.

It then took all of then minutes for Lim to finish voting while in the case of Moreno, the PCOS machine was not functioning when he arrived as the ballots cast were set aside for insertion to the machine once it is fixed. Fortunately for Moreno, when he finished voting, he inserted his ballot and it was accepted by the machine, thus making his ballot the first to be read in that precinct.

On the eve of the election, Lim lamented that text messages spread around, stating that he has already withdrawn his candidacy in favor of one of his rivals.

Also, tarpaulins measuring about three by ten feet bearing the faces of Atienza and his runningmate were put up near the polling precincts at around 11 p.m. last Sunday, in violation of the Omnibus Election Code, since the campaign period is over.

Yesterday morning, confusion marred the election process at the same precinct where Lim voted as well as at the Albert Elementary School in Dapitan, after the residents were reportedly handed over ballots where the name of Atienza was already shaded.

At the Manila High School in Intramuros, the names of voters from clustered precincts 947 to 949 were missing. Said precincts cover at least 3,000 voters from the highly-populated Baseco area which is known to be a bailiwick of the Lim-Isko tandem.

At the Manuel Roxas High School in Paco and also at the Dr. Celedonio Salvador High School, a huge number of voters opted to go home after failing to find their names in the list, where they complained that even the dead continues to be listed.

METRONEWS May 8, 2010
Isko for Lim
by Itchie Cabayan, Journal Online

“Si Mayor Alfredo S. Lim ang kandidato ko sa pagka-alkalde, wala nang iba!”

Ito ang mariing idineklara kahapon ni Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno kasabay ng panawagan sa mga botante na huwag mailto o maniwala sa mga nagkalat na posters at iba pang campaign materials kung saan pinalalabas na siya ay ka-tandem ng kalaban ni Lim na si former peace process adviser Avelino Razon, na ngayon ay lumabas sa isang survey na pumapangalawa na kay Lim, bagamat malayo pa rin, at naungusan na nito si dating environment secretary Lito Atienza na ngayon ay nasa pangatlong puwesto na lamang.

Sinabi ni Moreno na hindi siya magugulat kung sa mga darating na araw ay makakita na lamang siya ng mga poster na kasama na niya si Atienza, sa dahilang ang mga ganitong maruming taktika umano ay maaring mangyari anumang oras laluna sa panahon ng eleksyon.

“Papaano mo mapipigil ang mga ganitong gawain? Gaya niyan, kitang-kita naman na ang litrato kong ginamit sa tabi ni Razon ay kuha noon pang 2007. Maski si Congresswoman Naida Angping ng third district ginamit din sa ganyan, nagrereklamo pero walang magawa,” dagdag pa ni Moreno.

Binigyang-diin pa ni Moreno na “basta’t sa ganang akin, ako ay tumatakbong bise-alkalde ni Mayor Lim, na siyang aking opisyal at personal na gustong makasama at maging alkaldeng muli ng lungsod.”

Dagdag pa nito: “Si Mayor Lim lang ang para sa akin at sa aking political organization na Asenso Manileno ang siyang may tunay na malasakit sa mahihirap na taga-Maynila. Siya lang ang tunay na may nagawa sa panunungkulan at may maipapakitang pruweba na dapat siyang muling ihalal bilang alkalde.”

Nauna rito ay ibinunyag ni Moreno na may mga nakatutuksong alok sa sa kanya ang mga kalaban ni Lim upang sumama lamang siya sa kanila subalit hindi siya nagdalawang-isip na tanggihan ang mga ito.

“Pinili kong sumama kay Mayor Lim dahil siya lang ang natitiyak kong naglilingkod at maglilingkod pa ng buong katapatan at may tunay na pagmamalasakit sa kapwa,” ani Moreno.

Ayon pa sa kanya, marami silang ipinagkakapareho ni Lim, una ay pareho silang nagmula sa pagiging mahirap at nakaangat lamang sa pamamagitan ng pagsusumikap at pagtatrabaho nang husto, kung kaya’t kapwa umano nila nauunawaan ang mga problemang kinakaharap ng mga mahihirap at kung paano makatutulong ang pamahalaang-lokal sa kanila.

Maging ang konseho na pinamumunuan ni Moreno bilang presiding officer ay buo rin umano ang suportang ibinibigay sa lahat ng proyekto ni Lim dahil ang mga ito ay pawang nakatuon sa kapakinabangan ng mahihirap na taga-lungsod.

“Yung mga programa ni Mayor Lim para sa mahihirap na nauukol sa libreng edukasyon at libreng serbisyong pangkalusugan ay hindi po niya ipinangako noong siya ay tumakbo ng 2007. Ginawa na lang niya,” pahayag ni Moreno.

Pinapurihan din ni Moreno si Lim dahil sa pagpapatayo ng 53 bagong public elementary at high school buildings para mga mahihirap na mag-aaral ng Maynila.

Ikinumpara din ni Moreno na nung si Atienza ang alkalde ay nagawa pa nitong magbenta ng dalawang public schools, ang Rajah Sulayman at Jose Abad Santos high schools, bukod pa sa malaking bahagi ng Manila North Cemetery na dapat sana ay isang pampublikong sementeryo.

Sinabi pa ni Moreno na naipakita ni Lim ang tunay na malasakit nito para sa mahihirap sa pamamagitan ng pagkumpleto ng tig-isang public hospital para sa anim na distrito ng Maynila, upang mabigyan ng libreng serbisyo medikal ang mga residente na walang pambayad sa konsultasyon, doktor at gamot, bukod pa sa ipinatayo nitong mga health centers na umabot na ngayon ang kabuuang bilang sa 52.

Noong unang termino ni Lim mula 1992 hanggang 1998, isa lamang ang ospital ng lungsod, ang Ospital ng Maynila sa ikalimang distrito hanggang sa itinayo niya ang Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center o GABMMC (first district), Ospital ng Tondo (second district) at Ospital ng Sampaloc (fourth district).

Sa kanyang pagbabalik bilang alkalde noong 2007, ipinatayo naman ni Lim ang four-storey Jose Abad Santos Mother and Child Hospital (third district) at kamakailan lamang ay binuksan ang Sta. Ana Hospital (sixth district) na sampung palapag at may 54 iba’t-ibang uri ng modernong equipments kagaya ng CT scan, ultra sound at ECG machines. Ang dalawang naturang bagong ospital ay parehong fully-airconditioned at bukod pa sa three-storey annex hospital na itinayo din kamakailan lang sa GABMMC.

METRONEWS May 8, 2010
Ink
by Itchie Cabayan, Journal Online

Another attempt to stop the supporters of Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim from casting their votes on May 10 was relayed to his camp, with a call from those concerned to thwart the plan by catching it on video and then giving it to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for appropriate action.

Lim’s chief of staff Ric de Guzman said that based on the information relayed to them, the camp of Lim’s rival candidate was able to purchase bottles of indelible ink which will be used in the dirty scheme come election day.

The information said that the indelible ink will be used to mark the index fingers of Lim supporters in exchange for a certain amount of money, ranging from P2,000 to P3,000 each.

This way, De Guzman said, the said residents will no longer be able to vote in any precinct since the presence of indelible ink is an indication that they have already voted.

He also chided those behind the plan, saying the scheme is an act of direct buying and thwarting the people’s will.

Before this, red cards, the size of an ordinary ATM, were distributed by the camp of ex-environment secretary Lito Atienza also to known Lim supporters, for the purpose of misleading them with regard to their precinct number and the polling place where they are supposed to vote.

The said cards bore the face of Atienza on one side and on the other, the name of the resident, his barangay and zone number and the school where he is supposed to vote. However, when the residents concerned checked, they found out that the polling place indicated in the cards were wrong.

The purpose for this, De Guzman said, is apparently to mislead the Lim supporters and make them give up on voting once they get confused looking for the correct polling place to go.

Also prior to this, the camp of Lim’s rival reportedly had instructions for their supporters to beat the Lim supporters to the polling places and stretch their voting time to the limit so as to deprive those who are not on their side the chance to vote.

The possible employment of this dirty tactic reached the Comelec so that it dissuaded the voters against using such scheme at the same time warning that they will be charged accordingly if they do so.

De Guzman said all such maneuvers are signs that the camp of Lim’s rivals is already panicking owing to Lim’s consistently topping all surveys and the overwhelming support he gets from the residents during his campaign sorties.

METRONEWS May 5, 2010
Wards
by Itchie Cabayan, Journal Online

BILANG patunay sa kanyang tunay na pagmamalasakit sa mga serbisyo publiko, naglaan si Mayor Alfredo S. Lim ng exclusive na wards para sa mga guro, pulis, empleyado ng lungsod at barangay officials sa bagong tayong Sta. Ana Hospital sa ikaanim na distrito ng lungsod.

Ito ang napag-alaman mula kay Dr. Mario Lato, direktor ng naturang ospital, na nagsabing depende kung kinakailangan ay maaring magkaroon pa ng ibang exclusive wards para sa iba pang mga public servants ng lungsod sa loob ng sampung palapag at fully-airconditioned hospital na nakatayo sa 8,000-square-meter-lot at naglalaman ng 54 uri ng mga modernong kagamitan na kinabibilangan ng CT scan, ultrasound at ECG machines na kung sa pribadong ospital magpapagawa ay aabot ang gastusin ng libong pisong halaga.

Sa kabila ng standing policy ni Lim sa lahat ng ospital ng lungsod na magbigay ng karagdagang alaga sa mga pulis, guro, city employes at barangay officials kung sakaling mangailangan sila ng serbisyo medikal, dinagdagan ni Lim ang pangangalaga sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng paglikha ng mga special wards para sa mga ito.

“Utang natin sa mga guro ang paghubog sa mga lider n gating hinaharap, sa mga barangay officials na nakikipagtulungan sa awtoridad sa pagpapatupad ng batas at pagmantina ng kaayusan at katahimikan, sa mga empleyado ng lungsod na tumutulong mapabuti ang pagpapatakbo ng pamahalaang-lungsod at sa ating kapulisan na itinataya ang sariling buhay upang mapangalagaan tayong lahat. Ito ang ating munting paraan upang bigyan sila ng parangal, “ ani Lim.

Ang ganitong uri ng pagtrato sa kanila, dagdag pa ng alkalde, ay sasakop din sa kanilang mga kapamilya sa dahilang ang pagkakaroon ng isang miyembro ng pamilya na may sakit ay maaring makaapekto sa pagpapatupad ng tungkulin ng mga naturang public servants.

Sa kaso ng mga guro, siinabi ni Lim na lubhang mahalaga na maging malusog at malayo sa anumang sakit ang mga ito, upang mas epektibo nilang magampanan ang pagtuturo sa mga estudyante samantalang para naman sa mga empleyado ng lungsod, sila ay dapat na maging malusog upang maging produktibo.

Ang mga kapulisan, ani Lim, ay araw-araw na humaharap sa panganib na masaktan habang ginagampanan ang tungkulin na protektahan ang mga mamamayan samantalang ganito rin ang mga barangay officials na tungkuling panatiliin ang kaayusan at katahimikan sa kanilang nasasakupang mga komunidad.

“Ang paglalaan ng special wards na exclusive para sa mga lingcod bayan na gaya nila ay napakaliit na bagay upang sila ay pasalamatan at papurihan,” pahayag ni Lim.

Ayon naman kay Manila Police District (MPD) Director Chief Supt. Rodolfo Magtibay, na isa sa mga dumalo sa pagbubukas ng naturang ospital, lubhang kapuri-puri ang ginawa ni Lim na pagpapakita ng tunay na malasakit sa mga public servants gaya ng mga pulis sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng special wards.

Gayundin, pinapurihan at pinasalamatan ng mga opisyal ng Manila’s Finest Brotherhood Association na binubuo ng commissioned atd non-commissioned police officers at pinangunahan ni ex-officio SPO2 Antonio Emmanuel, ang ginawa ni Lim na pagpapagawa ng ward para lamang sa mga pulis, isang bagay na napakahalaga umano para sa kanila.

Ang pagbubukas ng Sta. Ana Hospital ang siyang nagkumpleto sa plano ni Lim noon pa mang una siyang umupo bilang alkalde ng 1992, na magpatayo ng tig-isang ospital sa bawat distrito ng Maynila na magbibigay ng libreng serbisyo medikal para sa mahihirap na taga-lungsod.

Noong una niyang termino mula 1992 hanggang 1998, isa lamang ang ospital ng lungsod, ang Ospital ng Maynila sa ikalimang distrito hanggang sa itinayo niya ang Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center o GABMMC (first district), Ospital ng Tondo (second district) at Ospital ng Sampaloc (fourth district). Sa kanyang pagbabalik bilang alkalde noong 2007, ipinatayo naman ni Lim ang four-storey Jose Abad Santos Mother and Child Hospital (third district) at kamakailan lamang ay binuksan ang Sta. Ana Hospital (sixth district) na sampung palapag at may 54 iba’t-ibang uri ng modernong equipments kagaya ng CT scan, ultra sound at ECG machines. Ang dalawang naturang bagong ospital ay parehong fully-airconditioned at bukod pa sa three-storey annex hospital na itinayo din kamakailan lang sa GABMMC.

METRONEWS May 3, 2010
Mama Mary
by Itchie Cabayan, Journal Online

PATI imahe ng Mahal na Birheng Maria ay hindi nakaligtas sa maruming pulitika sa Maynila.

Ito ang ibinunyag kahapon ni Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, matapos na magreklamo sa kanyang tanggapan ang mga residente ng ikalawang distrito ng Tondo na pati umano ang naturang imahe ay ginagamit sa kampanya ng mga supporters ni dating environment secretary Lito Atienza.

Kaugnay nito ay sumama na rin si Moreno sa mahigpit na panawagan ng mga residente na ipuwera na sana sa pamumulitika ang mga imahe na may kaugnayan sa relihiyon, kagaya ng Mahal na Birhen.

“Isa itong tanda ng sobrang pagka-desperado. Nakalimutan na ba nila ang ikalawang kautusan ng Diyos na huwag gamitin ang pangalan ng Panginoon? Kung kaya ng ganyang klaseng mga kandidato na bastusin ang batas ng Diyos, paano mo pa sila aasahan na respetuhin ang batas ng tao? Kawawa ang mga taga-Maynila kapag nagkaroon ng ganyang klaseng lider” ani Moreno.

Ayon pa sa mga residente na karamihan ay mula sa lugar ng Katamanan at Delos Reyes sa Tondo, isang malapit kay Atienza na kinilala lamang bilang si `Beng’ ang siyang nag-iikot sa mga bahay-bahay kasama ang mga supporters ni Atienza at kinakausap ang mga residente kung gusto nilang magpadasal sa kanilang bahay. Ang ganitong padasal ay karaniwang pinaniniwalaan na nagdadala ng basbas at biyaya sa tahanan.

Nang humingi umano ng permiso ang mga Atienza supporters sa kura paroko ay hindi ito pinayagan at pinagsabihan pa umano ang mga ito na huwag gamitin ang pangalan ng Panginoon sa pangangampanya.

Gayunman, nabale-wala ang sinabi ng pari nang ituloy pa rin ng mga Atienza supporters ang kanilang kagustuhan, sa utos pa rin ni `Beng’, dahilan upang magalit sa kanila ang maraming residente.

Sa oras na pumayag ang isang residente, ang mga supporters ni Atienza ay magsasagawa ng `Black Rosary’ at matapos niyan ay papipirmahin ang residente sa isang listahan na may titulo sa ibabaw na “Prayer for Peace/Clean/Honest Elections’ at diumano ay sa ilalim ng `Mahal Ko si Lolo’t Lola’ program para sa District 2. Ang naturang listahan ay isinusumite naman umano ng mga supporters sa kanilang headquarters sa Opal Street.

Nasa listahan ang pangalan ng mga residente na pumayag sa padasal, kanilang zone at barangay numbers, address, birthday, contact number at oras kung kailang itinakda ang `pagdalaw’ ng Mahal na Birhen sa kanilang bahay.

Gayunman, sa halip na nakagawiang dasal at rosary, may nakahandang `panalangin’ ang mga Atienza na tinawag nilang `Panalangin Para sa Bayan’ kung saan binabatikos ang administrasyon ni Lim habang pinupuri naman nang husto si Atienza.

Batay sa kopya ng `panalangin’ na ibinigay ng mga residente kay Moreno, nakasaad na: “Kami po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa buhay at kalakasang iyong ipinagkaloob sa amin upang buhayin muli ang Maynila sa pamamagitan ng iyong anak si Lito Atienza, lubos kaming nagpapasalamat at umaasa na manumbalik muli ang sigla ng mga taga-Maynila at ng aming kapaligiran upang umayos ang aming kabuhayan.”

Ayon kay Moreno, agad namang nakarma ang kampo ni Atienza dahil lalo lamang tumibay ang suporta ng mga tao kay Lim habang mahigpit nilang binabatikos na pati ang imahe ng Birhen ay napagbalingang gamitin sa pulitika ng mga supporters ni Atienza na pinaniniwalaang may basbas ng dating environment secretary.

METRONEWS Apr. 28, 2010
Lim opens another hospital
by Jerry S. Tan, Journal Online

MANILA Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno yesterday inaugurated the modern, fully air-conditioned, 19-storey public hospital in Sta. Ana.

The event was graced by Dr. Lucio Tan and his wife Carmen who were instrumental in the construction of the hospital through their Tan Yan Kee Foundation.

Among those who witnessed the inauguration were secretary to the mayor Rafaelito Garayblas, chief of staff Ric de Guzman, Liga ng Mga Barangay president Philip Lacuna, his brother Councilor Dennis Lacuna, and 6th district congressional bet Sandy Ocampo.

City engineer Armand Andres said the hospital has a 500-bed capacity and was constructed by F.F. Cruz Corp.

METRONEWS Apr. 21, 2010
Vote early, Lim-Isko allies told
by Jerry S. Tan, Journal Online

MANILA Vice Mayor Isko Moreno yesterday urged his and Mayor Alfredo S. Lim’s supporters to vote early on May 10.

Moreno’s appeal came following reports that some individuals identified with their opponents plan to prevent supporters of the Lim-Moreno tandem from casting their votes.

He said these saboteurs plan to go to precincts early and extend their stay inside the polling booth so other voters will not make it to the deadline.

“As Mayor Lim has stated time and again, it is only during election day that the gap between the rich and the poor is bridged and yet, some unscrupulous politicians are out to deprive the people of their right to choose whom they want to lead the city,” Moreno said.

He urged voters to be extra vigilant, vote early and document their complaints.

“Ang hirap kasi sa ibang pulitiko, hindi pa kuntento na nakawan ang kaban ng lungsod. Pati kaisa-isang karapatan ng masa na bumoto, gusto pa ring nakawin,” he said.

METRONEWS Apr. 20, 2010
Lim: Investigate MPD cop for extortion
by Itchie Cabayan

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim has ordered an investigation into allegations made by Tondo residents that a ranking official from the Manila Police District (MPD) has been using his position to fabricate charges for purposes of extortion.

In giving the order to Senior Supt. Alex Gutierez, chief of the district directorial staff, the mayor also issued a warning to all policemen in the city not to use their authority and uniform to oppress innocent civilians, stressing he will not allow such things to happen in Manila for as long as he is the mayor.

Lim’s pronouncements came as he faced the residents of Dagupan Extension in Tondo, who accused one PO3 Jason Magbitang, reportedly of the anti-illegal drugs unit of the MPD Station 7, of arresting individuals at whim and then extorting money from them in exchange for not being charged either with drug use or possession.

In the presence of Gutierrez, Station Commander Col. Romeo Sedanto and Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Rafaelito Garablas, Lim heard the complaints of the residents but got particularly irked when Sedanto badgered one of the residents about the injury he sustained in the neck when they (residents) pelted the cops with stones.

Magbitang reported to Sedanto that they were trying to arrest one Ricardo Soller for drug charges but were prevented by barangay councilman Bong Cabrera and the residents.

However, Soller, Cabrera and the residents alleged that over the weekend, Magbitang and his men, clad in plainclothes, tried to arrest Soller for unknown reasons, without any evidence and without a warrant of arrest.

The relatives and neighbors then sought the help of Cabrera who responded to the scene and tried to pacify the angry residents. They also told the mayor that they (residents) merely got full to the brim since many of them have been ‘victimized’ by Magbitang.

Soller told the mayor that in October last year, Magbitang already arrested him for alleged drug use and extorted P70,000 from him in exchange for his release without charges. The money, he said, was handed over to two policemen right inside Station 7. Sedanto, for his part, said Magbitang was already there when he assumed commander of the said station.

Lim said the residents were right in questioning Magbitang since based on standard operating procedures, a policeman is supposed to first introduce himself, present a warrant of arrest and then appraise the suspect of the nature of charges against him before having him arrested. He also said Cabrera did not obstruct justice and merely did his duty of responding to calls for help from residents within his area of jurisdiction.

Cabrera told Lim that when angry residents tried to mob Magbitang and his group, he tried to pacify them but that the crowd was just too many and that he could not stop them from pelting stones at the policemen.

Since Mabitang and company cannot get out of the area, policemen from the mobile group and SWAT responded but they, too, were met by the angry residents who also threw stones at them, hitting Sedanto himself in the process as they escorted Magbitang and company out.

Lim express disappointment over the complaints and how Magbitang tried to arrest Soller, as he looked, at the photos supplied by the residents who also assured him that the whole incident had been videotaped.

The residents also maintained there was no buy-bust that took place as alleged by Magbitang, since two policemen living in the same building where the incident took place, were having a drinking session right infront of the said building.

Lim directed the residents to reduce their complaint into affidavit and assured them of a fair investigation and appropriate action, if warranted.

Stressing how much he disdains illegal police activities such as frame-ups, planting of evidence and extortion, an irate Lim scolded Sedanto for putting his entire force in a very embarrassing situation.

‘Pati buong presinto idinamay mo. Hindi tama ang ginawa nung Magbitang na manghuli nang walang ebidensiya. Walang warrant, dapat di na ipinilit. Nagmukha lang tuloy kayong mga tanga dun,” Lim told Sedanto.

In ordering Gutirrez to investigate the complaints, Lim stressed he will not tolerate abuses and if needed, even the station commander should be made answerable.

METRONEWS Apr. 14, 2010
Sabotage
by Itchie Cabayan

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday directed all directors of the city’s public hospitals to put up huge signs in their hospitals directing the patients on what to do in case of a sabotage like when someone comes to them (patients) telling them there are no doctors around or medicines available.

Lim also summoned all the directors to his office with instructions for them to devise ways that would unmask those behind the apparent sabotage being done to the detriment of the sick and the needy.

“I am counting on you and your people to find ways and means to counter these vicious schemes obviously being perpetrated by callous people who only have their own political interests in mind,” Lim told the hospital directors.

Those in attendance during the meeting were Doctors Jun Cando of Ospital ng Maynila; Marlon Millares of the Ospital ng Tondo; Janet Tan of Ospital ng Sampaloc; Fidel Chua of the Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center and Teodoro Martin of the Jose Abad Santos Mother and Child Hospital.

Except for the Ospital ng Maynila, all the said hospitals were established by Lim during his first and his second incumbency, even as a ten-storey, fully airconditioned hospital which will also provide free medical services will yet open in Sta. Ana this month.

The meeting was called when Lim, during a house-to-house campaign in Tambunting,
Sta. Cruz, received information from some of the residents that some nurses and aides identified with his political rival usually meet the patients with the lines,”wala po kaming doktor” or “wala po kaming gamot”.

There were also times when the said nurses or aides would drive the patients away and direct them to instead seek medical help in other government hospitals which are not run by the city.

Lim expressed surprise since he has allotted hundreds of thousands for each of the city hospital to cover the expenses on medicines and other medical procedures which may be needed by the patients seeking medical attention.

During weekly meetings, Lim also repeatedly orders the hospital directors not to wait for their funds to run dry and have them replenished immediately. The mayor lamented that instead of using their position to help the poor and the needy as they should, some public servants would rather use their work to advance some political interests, even if it is to the detriment of poor and sick people.

The problem, he said, is that those experiencing the said kind of sabotage fail to identify the culprits either because they forgot the face or the name. “We cannot blame them. Siyempre magulo ang isip ng mga `yan dahil may sakit o di kaya ay di malaman kung saan pa pupunta. Sana naman ay huwag nang gamitin sa maruming pulitika ang mga taga-Maynila na mahihirap at nangangailangan ng libreng tulong medikal,” Lim stressed.


METRONEWS Apr. 13, 2010
Free Computer Education
by Itchie Cabayan

Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday invited out-of-school youths or indigent students from Manila who want to make good use of their summer vacation to avail of free computer education now being offered by the city government.

Lim said the free computer courses will be taught by computer experts on board a huge, fully-airconditioned van donated by the Se Jo Tong and Lim family associations and where at least 15 computers have been installed for the purpose.

It was learned from Garrie Tan, head of the Manila City Hall’s electronic data processing, that the free basic computer training is open to all Manila residents who are interested to get basic computer know-how, regardless of age.

All one has to do, Tan said, is bring an identification card or a barangay certification stating that he is a resident of Manila and then apply with the personnel who are in the van and tasked with entertaining applications.

The computer lessons, according to Tan, will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday except on Sundays only.

The students, he added, will be entertained on five batches per day, at 15 students per batch who will be taught the lessons for two hours each.

Meanwhile, Lim said that aside from computers, van and teachers, the said donors will also be providing the supplies which may be needed during the course of the computer training.

Learning the basics of computer, the mayor said, is costly when taken in private computer schools which is why the city government is offering such computer education for free.

The computer van, Lim said, is parked beside the Bonifacio Shrine which is near the City College of Manila.

METRONEWS Apr. 8, 2010
no patol-tagalog due to insistent public demand
by Itchie Cabayan, Journal Online

“ANG taong pumapatol sa sira ulo, mas sira ulo.”

Ito ang mga katagang binitiwan ni Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim matapos ihayag na wala siyang balak na bigyang importansiya ang mga kasinungalingang ipinapakalat ng kanyang mga kalaban sa politika, kasabay ng pagpapayo sa kanyang runningmate na si Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, na huwag ding pansinin ang mga ito.

Ang pahayag ay ginawa ni Lim sa isang dinner get-together na inorganisa ng mga supporters ni Moreno kung saan si Lim ay panauhing pandangal, gayundin nang bigyang pagkilala ng alkalde ang mga valedictorian at salutatorian graduates mula sa 103 public elementary at high schools ng lungsod.

Ayon kay Lim, siya ay naniniwala na sapat ang kanyang record pagdating sa pagbibigay ng serbisyo publiko gayundin ang kanyang mga nagawa sa panunungkulan, sa tulong ng konseho na pinamumunuan naman ni Moreno bilang presiding officer, upang pabulaanan ang anumang kasinungalingan o putik na ibato laban sa kanya at sa kanyang pamahalaan.

“Kung ako ay hindi nagre-react sa mga paninira at dirty tricks na ginagawa ng aking mga kalaban sa pulikita, hindi nangangahulugang totoo ang sinasabi nila. Para lang kasi sa akin, ang pumapatol sa sira ulo, mas sira ang ulo,” ani Lim.

Ani Lim, hindi niya aaksayahin ang kanyang panahon sa pagsagot ng mga walang kwentang kasinungalingan.

“Kung masaya sila sa ginagawa nila, ituloy nila, bahala sila. Basta ako, hindi ko gawain ang manira ng kapwa,” dagdag pa ng alkalde, kasabay ng pagbibigay-diin na sa dakong huli ay ang taumbayan ang siyang maghuhusga kung sino ang nagsisinungaling at nagsasabi ng totoo.

Sa kanyang banda ay sinabi naman ni Moreno na lahat ng ipinapangako ng mga kalaban ni Lim na pagbibigay ng trabaho at negosyo ay walang laman at pawang gimik
pampolitikal lamang.

Sa ilalim ng pamahalaan ni Lim, ani Moreno, ang prayoridad ay edukasyon at kalusugan dahil ito ang tunay na pundasyon ng isang kapaki-pakinabang na populasyon at kapag malusog at may dunong ang mga tao, diyan uusbong ang mga kabuhayan at trabaho.

“Kahit anong negosyo o kabuhayan ang ibigay mo sa tao, kung hindi naman ito malusog at may pinag-aralan, sa wala rin mapupunta. Wala nang mas hihigit pa sa kalusugan at kaalaman,” ani Moreno.

Kaalinsabay nito ay inihayag ni Moreno na ang bagong sampung-palapag at fully airconditioned na ospital sa ika-anim na distrito ng Sta. Ana ay nakatakdang buksan ni Lim ngayong buwan na ito.

Sinabi pa ni Moreno sa kanyang talumpati na nang umalis si Lim sa City Hall noong 1998 ay 103 ang kabuuang bilang ng paaralan subalit ito ay naging 101 na lamang nang maupo si dating environment secretary Lito Atienza bilang alkalde. Matatandaang naiulat na diumano ay nagbenta si Atienza ng dalawang pampublikong paaralan ng lungsod.

Sa pagbabalik ni Lim ay naibalik at naging 104 pa ang bilang ng mga public schools sa lungsod. Idinagdag pa ni Moreno na tanging sa ilalim lamang ng liderato ni Lim nakumpleto na magkaroon ang anim na distrito ng Maynila ng tig-isang pampublikong ospital na nagbibigay ng libreng serbisyo medikal para sa mahihirap na taga-lungsod.

Ayon kay Moreno, iisa lamang ang kagayang ospital ng lungsod –ang Ospital ng Maynila- nang si Lim ay unang maupong alkalde noong 1992 at sa anim na taong panunungkulan nito ay ipinatayo niya ang Ospital ng Tondo, Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center at Ospital ng Sampaloc.

Sinabi pa ni Moreno na nitong ikalawang pag-upo ni Lim ng 2007, ipinatayo niya ang Mother and Child Hospital sa Binondo at ang Sta. Ana Hospital sa ika-anim na distrito, kung kaya’t buo umano ang suporta dito ng konseho.

METRONEWS Apr. 7, 2010
Good education a right, not privilege — Lim
by Itchie G. Cabayan, Journal Online

NO one should be deprived of a sound education for being poor.

Thus declared Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday as he called on all parents residing in Manila to make sure that their children get a degree in college by availing of the free education offered by the city government, from pre-school all the way to college.

Lim made the remarks during recognition ceremonies he organized for the valedictorians and salutatorians of the Manila’s 103 public elementary and high schools at the Philippine Columbian clubhouse in Paco, Manila yesterday.

Speaking in graduation rites where he’s often invited, Lim instills in the minds of the students and parents alike that being poor should never be a reason for one to be deprived of education, which he said is the only key out of poverty.

Being poor himself, Lim repeatedly recounts before students how he worked hard just to be able to support his studies as a way of stressing how lucky they are to have parents fully supporting them so they could finish their studies and become professionals.

Lim said: “Masuwerte kayo at may mga magulang kayong nagtataguyod sa inyo at marami tayong paaralan sa ngayon na nagbibigay ng libreng edukasyon, kaya sana ay huwag ninyong aksayahin ang pagkakataon na `yan.”

According to Lim, it is his difficult experience being a working student which inspired him to establish a program that would provide free education for children in Manila.

Presently, the city government offers free education for the city’s poor but deserving students, beginning with the children’s formative years through the numerous day care centers put up in various barangays, followed by the 71 public elementary schools and 32 public high schools.

It was during his incumbency as city mayor in 1992 when Lim established the City College of Manila which offers “zero tuition” tertiary education until now and which has already produced thousands of professionals.

Lim, meanwhile, urged youngsters to make good use of their summer break by engaging in productive things, staying away from vices and helping out their parents in whatever way they can.

He also called on the graduates not to forget to repay their parents once they finish school by helping lift them out of poverty and taking good care of them.

METRONEWS Apr. 5, 2010
House to House
by Itchie G. Cabayan, Journal Online

THE residents of the populous Parola and Isla Puting Bato areas in the first district of Tondo yesterday showed their utmost appreciation for Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim’s free education and free health care programs for the poor by pledging a landslide victory for him in the coming May elections.

This, as Lim kicked off his house-to-house campaign with a visit to the depressed areas of Parola and Isla Puting Bato, accompanied by first district Congressman Atong Asilo and candidates for councilor, Nestor Lim and Nino dela Cruz, Lim’s son and grandson, respectively and barangay chairman Bing Navarra.

The residents voiced out their gratitude to Lim for having built two public hospitals in Tondo- the Ospital ng Tondo and the Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center- that both provide free medical services for the poor, as well as the new day care centers public elementary and high school buildings from which their children benefit.

They also expressed elation over the fact that Lim is the only candidate who takes effort to visit and interact with them personally.

“Siya lang ang kandidato na talagang pinupuntahan kami sa bahay mismo. `Yung kalaban niya, nandun sa maluwag na kalsada nakatayo at inuutusan kaming puntahan siya doon. Ang sabi namin sa mga tao niya, kung ayaw niya kami puntahan, lalong hindi namin siya pupuntahan. Sira-ulo na lang ang boboto dun,” said Milagrosa, a 70-year-old vendor and resident of Area H in Parola.

Lim thanked the residents who pledged their solid vote behind him, stressing that ever since, he has relied on the support of the masses.

Residents of Parola also assured Lim that no amount of lies and smear campaign will make them forget about the pro-poor programs instituted by Lim during his first incumbency and again, when he assumed the mayorship in 2007.

The mayor is reportedly scouting for vacant lots in the said area which the city government can use to build low-cost housing projects for the benefit of the residents.

He also stressed that more free healthcare services have been lined up to complement the free education programs of the city government, in the belief that a healthy and educated populace is the city’s key to progress, more jobs, livelihood and businesses.

METRONEWS Mar. 19, 2010
Ombudsman junks raps vs Lim, Isko
by Jerry S. Tan, Journal Online link

THE Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the charges of violation of oath of office filed against Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno in connection with the approval of an ordinance allowing the continued operation of oil depots and similar industries in Pandacan.

The decision penned by graft investigator and prosecution officer II Alteza Anoso and approved by Ombudsman Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez dated Oct. 27, 2009 was received by the mayor’s office only last Monday.

The complaint was filed by a group claiming to be advocates of environmental and social justice headed by a candidate for councilor under the ticket of mayoral bet Lito Atienza.

Lim welcomed the dismissal of the case, saying the complaint was politically-motivated and baseless.

Moreno said the complaint was intended to serve the political interests of their opponents. The principal complainant claimed the oil depots put the lives of Pandacan residents at risk.

He added hundreds of thousands of residents would have lost their jobs and the city stands to lose millions of revenues if Ordinance 8187 was junked.

Moreno said the ordinance does not only cover the oil depots, but other similar industries that employ thousands of Manilans.

METRONEWS Mar. 18, 2010
Sta. Ana hospital opening soon
by Jerry S. Tan, Journal Online

MANILA Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday announced the opening next month of the new hospital in Sta. Ana which will be named after President Corazon Aquino.

Lim said the 10-storey hospital has air-conditioned wards and is equipped with modern facilities such as dialysis, X-ray machines and CT scan.

The completion of the hospital is a realization of Lim’s vision of putting up one medical institution giving free services to the poor in each of the city’s six districts.

During his first administration in 1992 to 1998, the mayor put up the Gat Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center in District 1, Ospital ng Tondo in District 2 and the Ospital ng Sampaloc in District 4 to augment the then only city hospital, Ospital ng Maynila in District 5.

Before leaving city hall for the Senate, Lim left to his successor a blueprint for the building of two more hospitals in the third and sixth districts, but both were stalled for nine years.

When he assumed the mayoral post in 2007, Lim pushed through with the plan.

METRONEWS Feb. 26, 2010
Lim leads People Power rites in Manila
by Itchie G. Cabayan, Journal Online

“LET us not forget the sacrifices of Senator Ninoy Aquino and former President Cory Aquino so that we may have the democracy we now enjoy.”

This was the ardent call made by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday, as he led the wreath-laying ceremony held at the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Park on Bonifacio Drive in Manila, in commemoration of the 24th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

In paying tribute to Ninoy and President Cory, Lim was joined by the former president’s nephew Rafa Lopa who represented Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Noynoy Aquino III, city officials led by secretary to the mayor Atty. Lito Garayblas, city administrator Jesus Mari Marzan and chief of staff Ric de Guzman as well as former Manila Mayor Mel Lopez Jr., whose role at EDSA was also cited by Lim.

In his speech, Lim called on those who bore witness to EDSA to always remember how Ninoy offered his own life for the country and how President Cory and her children suffered while the head of their family remained incarcerated.

“Sinong pamilya ang dumanas ng katakut-takot na pahirap at pasakit? Si Ninoy ay walang kasalanan subalit nahatulan ng military tribunal ng kamatayan. Ang dahilan kung bakit tayo nagpatayo ng kanyang monumento ay upang ipaalala sa lahat ang ating utang na loob sa dalawang bayaning ito, na kundi sa kanilang mga sakripisyo ay wala sana tayong demokrasya ngayon,” Lim said.

The mayor also urged those who were not yet born at the time of the EDSA revolution to learn their history by heart and also not to forget the heroes of democracy.

“Hindi natin puwedeng harapin ang kinabukasan kundi natin aalamin at aalalahanin ang kahapon,” Lim stressed.

Lim went on to cite Lopez for the role he played in EDSA by helping out President Cory in her fight for democracy.

Lopez, according to Lim, is one of the real heroes of EDSA which is why he won hands down when he ran for mayor in 1988.

Lim said: “Si Noynoy ay siguradong hindi lalabag sa ipinamana sa kanya ng mga bayaning magulang. Kaya sa lahat ng gumagawa ng kalapastanganan at pag-abuso sa kapangyarihan, tumigil na kayo! Sobra na, tama na! Hindi papayag si Noynoy na magpatuloy ang ganyang klase ng masamang gawain.”

The mayor also warned that the spirit of EDSA lives on strongly in the minds and hearts of the Filipinos and that if things do not change, the people might once again become aggressive in their desire for a clean, honest and good governance.

Meanwhile, Lopa said the Aquino family also recognizes that without the support and love of country showed by the ordinary citizens, EDSA would not have happened.

He went on to state that while Noynoy did not originally intend to run for the highest post in the land, the death of President Cory stirred up a clamor for him (Noynoy) to continue the legacy left behind by his parents.

METRONEWS Feb. 16, 2010
Lim inaugurates 52nd school
by Itchie G. Cabayan, Journal Online

ANOTHER school building was inaugurated yesterday by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim for the benefit of poor but deserving students in Manila, bringing to already more than 52 the total number of public school buildings built since he reassumed the top city post in 2007.

City engineer Armand Andres said the four-storey building of the Araullo High School on Taft Avenue which was inaugurated yesterday has 32 classrooms, each of which can accommodate at least 52 students.

In his speech, Lim expressed hope the Araullo High School students will be more inspired to improve their grades.“We in the city government do our best to provide an environment that is very conducive for learning.  It is now up to you to do your share by seizing the opportunity for free education which we offer,” Lim said.

Lim also urged the students to study hard so that they will be able to pass the entrance exams for college, which is also being offered for free by  the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and the City College of Manila. Both were established during the first incumbency of Lim in 1992.

“Edukasyon ang pinakamabisang susi laban sa kahirapan kaya sikapin ninyong makatapos ng pag-aaral, nang sa gayon ay maiahon naman ninyo ang inyong pamilya sa hirap,” Lim told the students.

Lim also stressed that under his helm, he will never allow poverty to be a reason for any youngster to be deprived of education.  The mayor also told the students to take good care of their parents once they have already become professionals.

Republic of the Philippines
National Police Commission
Philippine National Police
National Capital Region Police Office
MANILA POLICE DISTRICT
DISTRICT TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
Atlanta Street, Port Area, Manila

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
31st FIESTA DEL STO NIÑO 2010
PROCESSION OF THE CONGRESSION DEL SANTISIMO
NOMBRE DEL NIÑO JESUS
JANUARY 31, 2010

ROUTE OF PROCESSION: FROM CITY LIMITS STRAIGHT AHEAD ROXAS BLVD., (SOUTHBOUND LANE), TO QUIRINO GRANDSTAND.

CLOSURE: 3:00 P.M.
STRETCH OF ROXAS BLVD., (SOUTHBOUND LANE) FROM P. BURGOS TO P. OCAMPO.

RE-ROUTING:

-MDTEU

METRONEWS Jan. 25, 2010
Cory monument unveiled today
by Itchie G. Cabayan, Journal Online

THE monument of the late President Cory Aquino will be unveiled today.

This was announced yesterday by Ric de Guzman, chief of staff of Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, who said that the unveiling will be held at 8 a.m. and will coincide with the commemoration of President Aquino’s 75th birth anniversary.

The ceremonies will be led by Mayor Lim himself, city officials and representatives from the Aquino family, according to De Guzman, who also said that the monument stands beside that of Sen. Ninoy Aquino at the corner of Bonifacio Drive and P. Burgos St. in Ermita.

Lim personally shouldered the expenses for the two monuments, which he had built in honor of the couple’s contribution so that the country may regain democracy.

The photo which became the basis of world famous sculptor Ed Castrillo in making the Cory monument, was supplied by the Aquino family and is just as big as that of Sen. Ninoy’s.

The Cory statue shows the bespectacled former President flashing the “Laban” sign with her right hand and holding a copy of the 1987 Philippine Constitution in her left hand which, according to Lim, symbolizes the former president’s love for democracy.

“She is a stickler of the law and the Constitution is the mother of all laws. Everybody knows President Cory to be a defender of the Constitution and that she never violated any law during her tenure,” Lim added.

It is 15 feet tall, weighs about 250 to 300 kilos and is made of handcrafted brass sheets.

Castrillo’s son Nixxio, who also helped in building the monument, said it took them a record time of only four months to finish, since they employed the help of 25 men working day and night.

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Republic of the Philippines
National Police Commission
Philippine National Police
National Capital Region Police Office
MANILA POLICE DISTRICT
DISTRICT TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
Atlanta Street, Port Area, Manila

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
QUIAPO FIESTA
January 9, 2010

ROUTE OF GRAND PROCESSION OF BLACK NAZARENE / CLOSURE AREAS:

Route-From Quirino Grandstand going to Katigbak Drive thru P. Burgos, straight to McArthur Bridge, right Palanca, left Estero Cegado, right Carriedo, left Evangelista, right Raon, right Quezon Blvd., thru under Quezon Bridge, left Palanca, left Globo de Oro, left Gunao, right Arlegui, left Nepomuceno, left Aguila, right Carcer, right Hidalgo thru Plaza del Carmen, left B. Viejo thru G. Puyat, left Guzman, right Hidalgo, left Barbosa, right Globo de Oro St., thru under Quezon Bridge, right Palanca, right Villalobos thru Plaza Miranda going to Quiapo Church.

AFFECTED AREAS DURING PROCESSION AND EXPECT HEAVY TRAFFIC:

1. Stretch of Roxas Blvd./Bonifacio Drive from Anda Circle to TM Kalaw north and southbound lane.
2. Southbound of Quezon Blvd. from Recto to Palanca (subway-Isetan Recto)
3. Stretch of Lerma from P. Campa to Quezon Blvd.
4. Taft Ave./Finance (westbound lane)
5. Lagusnilad/P. Burgos (Westbound lane)
6. P. Burgos/Taft Avenue ( Freedom Triangle-Northbound Lane)
7. Villegas/N.A Lopez
8. 25th Street/Bonifacio Drive (southbound)

Quiapo Fiesta Jan. 9, 2010 Re-Routing of Vehicles

CLOSURE OF ROADS TO TRAFFIC WILL BE IN EFFECT AS THE PROCESSION APPROACH THE AFFECTED AREAS.

ROAD CLOSURE:

· At about 6:00 AM onwards (January 9, 2010) southbound of Quezon Blvd. (Quiapo) from Andalucia/Fugoso to Plaza Miranda, stretch of Lerma from P. Campa to Quezon Blvd. (westbound) and the route of procession shall be closed to traffic to all types of vehicles.

RE-ROUTING OF VEHICLES

1. All vehicles coming from Quezon City using the stretch of España shall turn right P. Campa , left Andalucia, right Fugoso, left T. Mapua to point of destination.

2. All PUJs/light vehicles coming from España intending to proceed to South Pier Zone turn left Nicanor Reyes, right Recto straight to JAS, left Reina Regente take Jones Bridge, right Magallanes Drive to point of destination.

3. All vehicles coming from northern part of Manila intending to utilize the stretch of Bonifacio Drive southbound shall turn right Roberto S. Oca St., left Delgado, left Bonifacio Drive,right A. Soriano to Magallanes Drive, right P. Burgos, go straight to Lagusnilad to Taft Avenue.

4. All vehicles coming from southern part of Manila intending to utilize the stretch

of P. Burgos shall take TM Kalaw, left Taft Ave. right A. Villegas, right Quezon Bridge to point of destination.. (Note: northbound of Quezon Blvd. is open to traffic)

5. All vehicles coming from southern part of Manila intending to utilize the northbound of Roxas Blvd. from TM Kalaw to P. Burgos shall turn right TM Kalaw left Taft Ave. to point of destination.

6. All vehicles coming from Divisoria intending to utilize the stretch of Recto shall turn left T. Alonzo, right Furgoso, left Andalucia to point of destination.

7. All vehicles coming from Legarda shall turn right Recto or left Mendiola to point of destination.

8. All vehicles using Taft Avenue northbound shall turn right A. Villegas (Arroceros) right Quezon Bridge to point of destination.

9. All heavy vehicles/Cargo Trucks coming from the south shall take Pres. Osmeña, right Pres. Quirino to Nagtahan via AH Lacson to Capulong (vise-versa).

10. All motorists intending to proceed to North of Manila or South of Manila shall advise to utilize the stretch of Lacson to Nagtahan (vice-versa) or to utilize stretch of Road-10 to Roxas Blvd. (Vice-versa) to point of destination.

11. All buses coming southern part of Manila utilizing Taft Avenue are not allowed to enter from 7:00 AM to 12:00 NOON and allowed only up to Pres. Quirino as their turning point.

(Traffic Advisory from the Chief of MPD - District Traffic Enforcement Unit)

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GM PARAGUA SPEARHEAD RP’S CAMPAIGN IN VIETNAM ASIAN INDOOR GAMES WHICH UNREELS TODAY
BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

WITH his big wins in the just concluded 1st Governor Amado Espino Open Chess Cup last week in Lingayen, Pangasinan with unbeaten record of six wins and a draw, Grandmaster Mark Callano Paragua tries to continue his winning ways at the start of 2009 Asian Indoor Games chess competition which begins today (October 30) and will ends on November 8 in Hanoi, Vietnam.

“I hope I can perform well here in Asian Indoor Games chess competition,” said the Tondo, Manila born Paragua in an interview of this writer last Wednesday after the former (Paragua) paid a courtesy call to Manila Sports Council (MASCO) Chairman Niño dela Cruz at the Manila City hall.

The 25-year-old Paragua, the first Filipino to reach super grandmaster status, aims to put the Philippines in the world chess map once again as he tries to break the Guinness simultaneous chess world record on December 26 to 27, 2009 at the historic Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The two-day event, organized by Touch of Gold Enterprises backed up by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) in close cooperation with Department of Tourism, Manila Sports Council (MASCO) Chairman Niño dela Cruz, City of Manila, Filway Marketings Inc. CEO/ President Hector "Chito" Tagaysay, g4 chess club and Meralco Chess Club.

Joining Paragua, the 2003 Vietnam Southeast Asian Games most bemedalled in the country’s bids in Asian Indoor games that include World Chess Cup bound GM Rogelio “Joey” Antonio, Jr, for Men’s competition and Woman Fide Masters (WFMs) Catherine Perena and Sherily Cua for the Women’s side. Delegation head is Wilfredo “Willie” Abalos, executive director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) under the leadership of its President/ Chairman Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and Secretary-General Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Jr.

The RP chess team left the country yesterday morning (Thursday) aboard Philippine Ailrines (PAL).

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DISASTER EMERGENCY HOTLINES YOU CAN CALL:

These are the hotlines that our citizenry can call for disaster emergency situations, especially urgent rescue and relief needs.

National Disaster Coordinating Committee
911-1406
911-1873
911-1906
911-5061
912-0984
912-2665
912-3046
912-5296
912-5668

Help hotlines:
734-2118
734-2120

Bureau of Fire Protection, National Capital Region
729-5166
410-6254
413-8859
407-1230

Philippine Coast Guard
527-6136

Red Cross
143
911-1876
527-0000

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
136
896-6000

Meralco
16220
0917-5592824
0920-9292824

Philippine National Red Cross
Please send address of stranded friends/family to
09178997898
0938444BOYS

- GMANews.tv