The Rotary Club of Manila held a Polo Club Mayoral Debate last April 22, 2010, participated by mayoralty candidates Lim and Atienza. Various social issues were tackled by the competing candidates during the debate. 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. Yet, his opponent Lito Atienza was in doubt of Lim's statements due to the involvement of the mayor's son in selling drugs.
The son of Alfredo Lim, Manuel Lim was busted for selling illegal drugs in 2008 by the authorities. 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. Lim, feeling cornered in the discussion, showed resistance to the topic by accusing the son of his opponent, Ali Atienza, a drug addict. Ali Atienza who was in the audience cried foul and called Lim a liar, saying that how can a national athlete, who competes in international games with strict drug testing procedures, be a drug addict?
Turning red with embarrassment, Alfredo Lim who had no proof about his accusation, tried to cover his statement by pointing to former Vice Mayor Lacuna as the one who stated it. 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 on the other hand, kept his cool and went on with the debate despite his son being accused by his competitor as a drug user.
The debate however did not last long, but Manila mayor Alfredo Lim tried to save face until the last minute. As hard as he might have tried though, Lim have already left an impression toward the 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 disheartening to see how this form of unintelligent debate can take place. 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. The son of Lito Atienza said that he was deeply hurt about the allegations dropped by Lim. 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. This practice has been around for ages, and has since served as a means to drag their competitors down. 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. The people wants to have a leader who knows how 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
No comments:
Post a Comment