The Rotary Club of Manila held a Polo Club Mayoral Debate last April 22, 2010, participated by mayoralty candidates Lim and Atienza. The debate was a heated one, with both candidates exchanging ideas on various social issues. When the drug problem of Manila was tackled, Lim outlined his strong campaign to prevent the rampant drug trade and use in the city; stating that he incessantly ceased the existence of drugs in Manila during his reign as the city's Mayor. However, Lim's opponent, Lito Atienza doubted his authenticity due to the fact that Lim's son was arrested for drug pushing.
In 2008, the authorities apprehended Lim's son, Manuel Lim for selling illegal drugs, an offense that is nonbailable an carries with it life imprisonment. Manila mayor Alfredo Lim, admitted that his son was busted by the PDEA in 2008, but denied helping his son. As Lim was placed in the hot seat, he strained the topic by accusing the son of Atienza, Ali Atienza, a national athlete and a gold medalist of the taekwondo Asian games, of being a drug addict himself. Ali Atienza, who was in the audience, said to Lim that his accusations was impossible considering that he was an international athlete who complied with the strict drug testing procedures prior to competing in the taekwondo arena.
Embarassed with his accusation, Lim tried to come out clean by saying that it was former vice mayor Lacuna who said that Ali was a drug addict. Ali then went on the stage and lectured Alfredo Lim about his track record as a national athlete.The mayor, humiliated by his actions, spoke no further as the moderators of the program appeased 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. With his mediocre means of campaigning, Lim usually pleases the city's usual crowd but he must have considered that what he was facing during that time were professional individuals who can be critical about his actions. It is just disheartening to see how this form of unintelligent debate can take place. As the upcoming leaders of the city, the public expects more from these candidates than the senseless words coming from their mouths.
After the incident, Ali Atienza noted in front of the media that he would be pressing charges against the libelous allegations of Lim. The son of Lito Atienza said that he was deeply hurt about the allegations dropped by Lim. He also said that he worked hard to be on the top of his game, and it was really foul for a mayor to come into a ridiculous accusation against a former athlete, who before competing, needs to comply with strict drug testing procedures. He also added that he will push the charges even after the election.
With election 2010 nearing, it is normal to hear candidates speaking ill against their competitors. This instance has been going on in our country for a long time now as a means for the candidates to come clean from their own imperfections. However, those who wish to run for office must also realize that speaking ill against opponents is not the right means to win the votes of the public. This is because the public has already given up with the ongoing political drama, and prefer leaders who knows how to walk the talk over those who talks and talks.
The son of mayoralty candidate Lito Atienza is planning to press charges against his father's opponent Alfredo Lim after the current Manila mayor accused him of being a drug addict. The incident took place during the Mayoralty Debate last April 22, 2010 at the Manila Polo Club. Lim dropped the allegations when the topic of drug abuse was tackled. The young Atienza insisted that he would continue the charges even after election 2010 has ended.
-Joel Dumayog
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