Mayoralty candidate Alfredo Lim was cornered at the Polo Club Mayoral debate hosted by the Rotary Club of Manila last April 22, 2010. The debate paved way for the candidates to tackle various social issues that concerns the city of Manila. When the discussion went to the issue of drugs, Lim noted his accomplishments against drug trade and use during his tenure as the city mayor. Lito Atienza, Lim's opponent for the election, was unconvinced of Lim's statements following the arrest of Lim's son for selling drugs.
It could be recalled that the son of Lim, Manuel Lim was apprehended in 2008 for selling illicit drugs, a nonbailable offense that also carries life imprisonment. Manila mayor Alfredo Lim conceded that his son was arrested by authorities, but claimed that he did not, in anyway, helped his son with his case. In order to divert the issue, Lim pointed the accusation of drug use towards Ali Atienza, the son of his opponent and a national and international taekwondo competitor. The young Atienza who was in the audience called Lim a liar, as it was impossible for a former athlete like him, who competed in international games, to be a drug addict.
Lim, embarrassed with his allegations, pointed the blame to former vice mayor Lacuna, claiming that Lacuna was the one who said the gossip. Ali then went on the stage and lectured Alfredo Lim about his track record as a national athlete.Lim spoke no more about his allegations against Atienza, while the moderators of the debate take over to calm down both parties. Lito Atienza remained calm despite the events and managed to continue the debate.
Manila mayor Alfredo Lim tried his best to redeem himself from the humiliating accusation he dropped; however, the program ended with antagonism in the air. He might have dug his grave for he forgot that the audience was a thinking crowd of professional Rotarians. Usually Alfredo Lim can get away with lies when he is facing the city's customary street crowd of vendors, tricycle drivers and the likes; appearing in Tondo one and two with his usual mediocre style of campaigning. It is just discouraging to see candidates speaking ill about their competitors. As professionals, people were expecting a more academic and intellectual discussions from the candidates.
Ali Atienza will not easily let go of Lim's allegations, stating that he would be filing a libel case against the mayor. During an interview, the son of Lito Atienza said that as an athlete who has represented the Philippines in many international competitions, it was hurtful for him to be accused of being a drug addict. The young Atienza also pointed out that it was really impossible for an athlete to compete if he has been found using illicit drugs, making Lim's accusations a look more like fabricated story. Even after the election, Atienza is decided to file charges against Lim to protect his reputation.
With election 2010 nearing, it is normal to hear candidates speaking ill against their competitors. These ill comments is one way for the candidates to pull down their opponents. However, it should be realized that as public leaders, this practice clearly sends out the message to the voters that what candidates are capable of doing just to be in the position. For the record, the public is now tired of drama, what is important is to walk the talk, and not just to talk and talk.
Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim is caught under public scrutiny after he accused the son of Lito Atienza for being a drug addict. The incident took place during the Mayoralty Debate arranged by the Rotary Club of Manila last April 22 2010. The allegation dropped by Lim angered Ali Atienza, and told the media after the debate that he is ready to press charges against the Mayor even after election 2010 is over. This event could seriously affect Lim's candidacy.
-Joel Dumayog
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