Alfredo Lim Is Not A Real EDSA1 Hero

Alfredo Lim has been consistently receiving accolades and admiration for the role he played during the famed EDSA 1. The mayor of Manila, who is running for reelection, has been stating false claims and wrong representation to solidify his image as a real EDSA 1 hero.Mayor Lim has enjoyed tremendous success in doing so as evident in the current status of his political career.However, as he continues to be successful in building up his reputation, he is also consistently making continuous misrepresentation of the facts.

Recorded events of old Manila watch will tell us exactly the opposite of what Alfredo Lim has been telling us. The mayor of Manila has been building up his image for his own political gain at the expense of another great unknown EDSA hero in Col. Jose H. Dawis. Dawis acted as the Chief of Police of Quezon City during EDSA 1 under the control of the then General Lim.Dawis is witness to how the former general acted during the height of EDSA1. However, his account of Lim's participation in EDSA1 continues to be untold and misrepresented.

Colonel Dawis knew very well how General Lim acted like a coward during the height of demonstrations and protests.As Commanding General, Lim was not brave enough to confront the angry demonstrators and was cowardly hiding in small Antique shop in P. Tuazon the whole time laden with fear. He was often unwilling and fearful that he passed on the burden of controlling the crowd in EDSA to his personnel. Dawis recalled that it was General Lim who ordered him to disperse the crowd in EDSA at all cost upon the order of order of then President Ferdinand Marcos.

Colonel Dawis only had a handful of 100 people under him at that time when he was ordered by General Lim to disperse the crowd of more than 100,000 in EDSA.To make Colonel Dawis' job more manageable, General Lim has promised him with additional 500 military men to help him in the dispersion of the crowd in EDSA. But Colonel Dawis was defiant. The brave Colonel defied Gen. Lim's orders and told him that he will not disperse the crowd who were just expressing their grievances peacefully.

The insubordination of Colonel Dawis has made General Lim enraged and fuming.He was completely mad with how Colonel Dawis responded and defied his orders. As a response, General Lim started to speak angrily to Colonel Dawis who remained unfazed.Colonel Dawis stuck to his principles and did not follow the orders of his superior officer despite the threats of losing his job.

Former Senator Butch Aquino can prove this claim since he and Colonel Dawis had developed a very good relationship.Colonel Dawis was very sympathetic and helpful to the opposition leaders and would allow them to protest peacefully in Quezon City.

This is a clear indication that the accolades and admiration that Alfredo Lim enjoys should be taken back away from him. Lim should not be bestowed with the recognition as one of the many real heroes of EDSA1 for the fact that he was never one.Lim is clearly confusing the public into believing his false claims and misrepresentations of facts at the expense of another great and worthy hero.Colonel Dawis is the real EDSA1 hero and should be the one receiving all the necessary accolades and recognition, and not the person who desperately tries to build his self a reputation using nothing but lies.

The mayor of Manila, who is seeking reelection, has been making frivolous claims and false representation to bolster his image as a real EDSA one hero. Mayor Alfredo Lim has been erroneously receiving accolades and admiration and has in many ways succeeded in doing so as evident in the current status of his political career. On the contrary, Lim is using his frivolous claims and misrepresentations of facts at the expense of another great and worthy hero, Colonel Dawis.

-Julius Arante

Anomalous Manila Public Bidding For School Rehabilitation

Mayor Alfredo Lim and members of Manila's Bid and Awards Committee are facing graft charges that was filed last April 8, 2010. The charges were filed by Reynaldo Bagatsing after allegedly engaging in an unlawful public bidding for the rehabilitation of 15 schools in Manila. The complainant noted that the bidding of repairs was done not out of necessity but for the personal gain of the involved officials. Bagatsing also believed that the bidding was especially disadvantageous to the local government of Manila as the participants in the illegal transaction manifested partiality, giving unwarranted benefits to the winning bidders.

Bagatsing immediately filed his complaint after obtaining an online copy of the bid notice abstract that came from the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement (PhilGEPS), which specifically concerns the rehabilitation of 15 Manila elementary schools. Bagatsing stated in his sworn affidavit that the bid invitation posted on February 18, 2010 also included details about the filing of letter of intent for interested bidders which were supposedly on February 10-16, 2010""dates that are impossible to comply with as they have already elapsed. Despite the notice though, the request list that accompany the said bid notice clearly outlined three entities that were favored by the committee. The said entities were ALE Builders Construction and Development Corporation, Diamond Head Construction/Supplies, and VITES Construction and Development Corporation.

Reynaldo Bagatsing, Mayor Lim's former legal colleague and legal counsel, said that the anomalous transaction was performed unnecessarily quick and considered it as a bidding violation. The rigging of the said public building failed to adhere to the Republic Act NO. 9184 (R.A. 9148) or Government Procurement Reform Act. In accordance to the proofs presented by the complainant, it was apparent that the involved parties were rushing to implement the bidding, which can be seen from the overlapping dates. Hence, it is undeniable that the haste actions of the participating parties were incongruent to the bidding rules and time frames covered by the R.A. 9148.

Seven other Manila officials were pointed out to have played major roles in carrying out the scheme; most of whom are members of the Bids and Awards Committee. They are Atty. Rafaelito Garayblas, Atty. Renato Dela Cruz, Vicky Valientes, Leanie S. Sanding, Ma. Lourdes Manlulu, Alicia T. Moscaya and Thelma Perez. As most of the involved committee knew the illegalities involved in the bidding transaction, all of the involved officials said to have violated the provisions of Republic Act No. 3019 (R.A. 3019) or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices and Republic Act No. 6713 (R.A. 6713) commonly referred to as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Mayor Alfredo Lim is also held liable for the same violations as he condoned the said acts.

The city of Manila is set to lose P23,550,000.00, associated with this unscrupulous activity. Bagatsing also noted that by associating with such contract, the major players in the bid chose to deprive Manila the opportunity to save funds which could have been used for future projects. The plaintiff called for the attention of the Ombudsman to properly address the issue at hand. This is so in order to provide the justice due to Manila residents and tax payers.

The instances presented clearly points out how local government projects can became an avenue for the perpetration of illegal activities. Despite the presence of laws that are aimed to deter the existence of fraudulent acts within the government, the people who condone these acts are growing in number each day. As such, illegal activities within the government turns into an issue that is too hard to address. The involvement of Mayor Alfredo Lim in such form of activities could affect his political career if all of these are proven real; but whether or not this is true, such illegal act serves as a proof of the abusive power of men.

Following the discovery of evidences that pointed towards a bidding violation, Atty. Reynaldo Bagatsing filed a complaint-affidavit against Mayor Alfredo Lim and his cohorts in the Bid and Awards Committee of the city of Manila. Aside from the bidding issues, Bagatsing also stated in his sworn affidavit that the involved participants violated the graft and corruption law as well as the ethical standards for public officials and employees.

-Julius Arante

Alfredo Lim's Darkest Secret Revealed

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has been popularly known as the city's version of John Wayne, Django Kojak and Dirty Harry.The former Western Police District (WPD) head and former Director of the NBI has been receiving countless accolades and recognition for what he was able to achieve during his stint as police officer. The media has portrayed Lim as a no-nonsense, honest to goodness police officer. Moreover, Lim is now considered as a hero of Manila and recognized for his courage and devotion to duty for his beloved city.

It is a sad fact that many people have bought these kinds of stories that were created and written by no less than Alfredo Lim himself. Lim has been successful in manipulating the media which has helped him in building an outstanding reputation as a former police officer. Many people have been misled into believing that Manila's most outstanding policeman's rise to power is nothing but a product of years of dedication and hard work. The true story behind this fancied Manila Mayor and former MPD chief continues to be untold which is part of the reason why he still enjoys popularity and recognition among Manilenos.

Not too many people know about the dark side of Mayor Lim due to his constant manipulation of the media during his tenure in the MPD. Lim's well-documented exploits and heroics were creations made by his media friends.With the help of the media compassionate to him, Alfredo Lim's dark side were successfully hidden and remained uncovered for many years. Whereas, the true stories about him was exactly the opposite of what has been touted by the media.

There exist untold stories which can lead us to the truthful side of this former police chief.Lim's career as a police officer is exactly the opposite of what the media has been telling us for many years. Alfredo Lim was once a corrupt cop. Lim's career as a police officer was marred with reported cases of corruption, utter disregard for the law, abuse of authority and human rights violations including "salvaging," shady deals and a reign of terror, all perpetrated by Lim and his cohorts.

Alfredo Lim was a master of manipulations as revealed by his comrades in uniform. Lim knew very well the many ways of soliciting loyalty and support from his colleagues and subordinates in the police force.He went on to manipulate his subordinates and successfully got their support for his personal gain and promotion. His manipulative nature has also helped him in covering up his misdeeds and his affiliation to a number of syndicates and illegal activities. Lim is also known for his reputation as a patron of Manila's drug lords and smugglers. The former MPD chief is closely identified with one of the most powerful drug lords in Manila.Lim has protected several drug lords of the city including his friend Manuel Velasco, the leader of a big drug syndicate at Binondo; and even his nephew, a certain Maynard Limcangco Siojo. Aside from illegal drugs, Lim is also identified with big-time smugglers and smuggling syndicates.

Alfredo Lim's success in portraying himself as an outstanding police officer is nothing but a product of his ability to manipulate media. The media has been constantly portraying Lim as a no-nonsense, honest to goodness police officer. The Manila Mayor was successful in hiding all his wrongful acts and misdeed he has done during his stint in as police chief. Meanwhile, the dark side of Mayor Lim continues to be untold and remained uncovered.

-Julius Arante

Mayor Alfredo Lim And Colleagues Involved In Illegal Bidding

Last April 8, 2010, graft charges were filed against some of the members of Manila Bid and Award's Committee along with the city's mayor, Alfredo Lim. Atty. Reynaldo Bagatsing filed the said charges in relation to the unlawful bidding for the rehabilitation of 15 elementary schools in Manila. The plaintiff took note that the bidding was done to provide unwarranted benefits not only to chosen bidders but also to the officials who officiated the said bidding. It was also perceived by the complainant that entering into such transaction placed the city in a disadvantaged position because the involved parties are after the profit and not the due results of the project.

After obtaining an online copy of the bid notice abstract from the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement (PhilGEPS), Bagatsing immediately filed a complaint before the Ombudsman. It is noteworthy, based from Bagatsing's obtained bid notice, that the said invitation was posted last February 18, 2010, and on that same post also specified that interested bidders can submit their letters of intent from February 10-16, 2010""dates that have already elapsed by the time the notice was posted. However, instead of openly accepting bids from other interested parties, it was well indicated in the attached document request list that three entities were already the preferred bidders. The entities were ALE Builders Construction and Development Corporation, Diamond Head Construction/Supplies, and VITES Construction and Development Corporation.

Atty. Reynaldo Bagatsing, erstwhile friend and legal counsel of Lim, pointed out that the transaction was carried out with undue haste, tagging it as a bidding violation. The swift process of the public building is said to be a violation against the Republic Act NO. 9184 (R.A. 9148) or Government Procurement Reform Act. In accordance to the proofs presented by the complainant, it was apparent that the involved parties were rushing to implement the bidding, which can be seen from the overlapping dates. As such, the actions taken by the participants was a discordance to the implementing rules of R.A. 9148.

Seven other Manila officials were pointed out to have played major roles in carrying out the scheme; most of whom are members of the Bids and Awards Committee. They are Atty. Rafaelito Garayblas, Atty. Renato Dela Cruz, Vicky Valientes, Leanie S. Sanding, Ma. Lourdes Manlulu, Alicia T. Moscaya and Thelma Perez. Because the Bids and Awards Committee knowingly continued the scheme despite it being illegal, they are held liable for violating Republic Act No. 3019 (R.A. 3019) or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices and Republic Act No. 6713 (R.A. 6713) commonly referred to as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Mayor Alfredo Lim, who authorized the unscrupulous act to be carried out, is also liable for the same violations.

Accordingly, the rigging of this public bidding to repair and upgrade 15 elementary schools has cost the city of Manila P23,550,000.00. Bagatsing also noted that by associating with such contract, the major players in the bid chose to deprive Manila the opportunity to save funds which could have been used for future projects. The plaintiff called for the attention of the Ombudsman to properly address the issue at hand. As such, the justice due to the residents of Manila would be granted to them.

All the evidences presented by Bagatsing clearly manifest how public projects like this could become a breeding ground for illegal activities. While various laws may be present in order to eliminate these illegal acts, the number of people who value their personal interest more than that of the public's interest are still growing in numbers each day. Hence, illegal acts become more difficult to resolve. In the long run, if this issue is left unattended, the political career of Mayor Alfredo Lim could be jeopardized.

Atty. Reynaldo Bagatsing filed a graft and corruption lawsuits against Mayor Alfredo Lim and other Manila officials last April 8, 2010. The complaint was filed after Bagatsing found strong evidences about the illegal bidding for the rehabilitation of 15 classrooms in the city of Manila. The complainant believes that the bidding violation is detrimental to the city and its citizens.

-Julius Arante

Manila Jueteng Problem: Manila's Dark Secret

Illegal gambling is still rampant in this poverty-stricken city.The Manila Jueteng Problem has once again resurfaced as apparent in the arrests of several people involved in the said illegal form of gambling. Manila mayor Alfredo Lim along MPD director Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay promised that they will rid the city of illegal jueteng operators. Instead, there are intelligence reports that illegal jueteng operators are gradually resuming their activities in the city.

The recent arrests of several people are apparent evidences that the once eradicated Manila Jueteng Problem is still prospering.One of the main reasons why this illegal gambling problem has resurfaced is that police officers and city officials are involved in this trade. This illegal numbers game is widely known to enjoy the blessing of dishonest policemen and city hall officials. In return for the protection extended, these jueteng protectors are bribed with a portion of the profits generated from this illegal activity.

The inability of the police force to prosecute these people involved in Jueteng has further escalated the Manila Jueteng Problem. Many people who are involved in this illegal activity were able to elude arrests due to the influence of higher police officials and city hall personnel including the Mayor of Manila. Moreover, jueteng operators in the city have discovered a way to elude arresting police officials. Investigations showed jueteng lords in the city operate in a 'kangaroo' style or transfer from one place to another to escape detection.

Jueteng operators in the city have also developed a sense of resiliency in covering up their illegal operations. To avoid and mislead the city's law enforcers, these jueteng collectors act as if they are soliciting bets for the government-sponsored EZ-2 lotto. Jueteng is almost similar to EZ-2 which is a legal numbers game launched by the government through the PCSO. Jueteng and EZ-2 both use a winning two-number combination where bettors make their bets.

The only thing that separates the two is that jueteng is drawn secretly and exists as an underground transaction. It is alleged that the winning combination in jueteng is chosen by the operator. Jueteng operators select combinations with fewer bets to accumulate more profits. Meanwhile, EZ-2 is officially permitted and drawn live on TV.

Unless the city government under Mayor Alfredo Lim and Manila Police Department end their involvement in this kind of illegal activity; the Manila Jueteng Problem will remain unaddressed. If Mayor Lim and Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay are serious in eradicating this kind of illegal activity in the city, their action should begin within their ranks.They should be hunting down protectors and big time jueteng lords instead of arresting small bet collectors. Moreover, the city government must carefully look into the bigger picture and address the real cause why this illegal numbers game even exists.

There are many reasons why the Manila jueteng problem has once again resurfaced as apparent in the arrests of several people involved in the said illegal form of gambling. The inability of the police force and Mayor of Manila Alfredo Lim to bring those people involved in Jueteng has further aggravated the problem. The reported involvement of police and city halls officials in the illegal activity has made it impossible to address this problem.

-Julius Arante

Deficiencies Found In An Anomalous Payment Transaction At The Local Government of Manila

The Commission on Audit filed a two-page notice of disallowance last October 29, 2009 against some of the government officials in the city of Manila. The notice was filed after it was found that the claims for the consultancy payment of the 21 consultants, who were supposedly appointed to work at the office of the mayor, were deficient. Domingo C. Bocalan Jr., State Auditor IV, who did the auditing of the said vouchers claimed that the 21 names of the consultants included in the payroll submitted for auditing were unreal, and that the contracted services did not took place. Accordingly, the anomalous transaction cost Manila the amount of P5,058,000.00.

The notice of disallowance was filed soon after Mayor Alfredo Lim said in his affidavit that he did not have any knowledge, whatsoever, of the said transaction, and that he never authorized the purported contracted services to take place. As a follow up, Lim also noted that he did not sign any contract for the said services nor did he allowed the fictitious consultants to receive any consultation fees or compensations. The Mayor's statement was backed up by three officers assigned at the city Mayor's office. The three office staff who supported the mayor's statement were Rowena Senatin, Helen Natividad and Arturo Mijares.

The three office staff said in their affidavit that the consultants, whose names appeared in the voucher submitted to them, were never employed by the mayor. The three also confirmed that the consultants were fictitious. This government anomaly is a clear manifestation of the ongoing corrupt practices in the local government of Manila. Nonetheless, like any other forms of illegal activities, the transaction was done in order to benefit the people involved.

The anomalous transaction was carried out and consented by 11 officials from the accounting and property division of the local government of Manila. They were Pacifico Lagramada, Yolanda Ignacio, Marleen Young, Gloria Quilantang, Vicky Valientes, Erlinda Marteja, Philip Cabalun II, Cherry Chan, Alicia Moscaya, Fritz Noel Borres, and Rodelio Leyson. The said officials consented the release of P5,058,000.00 as a payment to the non-existent consultants for their supposed services to the mayor's office. Mayor Alfredo Lim and his staff confirmed that names of the perpetrators.

Bocolan recommended in the notice of disallowance that the identified perpetrators from the accounting and property division of the city of Manila to refund the full amount of P5,058,000.00. The given amount was the supposed payment for the 21 consultants, who purportedly worked for the office of the mayor. The notice given by the Commission of Audit was final, giving the involved officials six months to settle the issue. Accordingly, if the said individuals were not able to comply, the commission would take the necessary steps in order to enforce the notice.

Although Mayor Alfredo Lim, in his affidavit, served as the way to expose this particular corrupt activity, it appears that something in this picture does not coordinate. It is known that every local project are needed to be approved by the mayor before it is facilitated; in this instance though, what remains questionable is the fact that the project was not hindered although Mayor Lim said that he did not approved it. Although the involved people in this anomalous transaction were already held liable for their corrupt practice, answering this question would somehow shed light to the blind side of the story. Perhaps this question is needed to be answered for the public's understanding.

The Commission on Audit filed a notice of disallowance against some of the officials from the local government of the city of Manila. The notice was given as a response to the government anomaly that concerns the payment of P5,058,000.00 among the fictitious 21 consultants who were allegedly contracted to work for the office of Mayor Alfredo Lim. The Commission on Audit recommended the officials to refund the full amount as a means to settle the issue.

Mayor Alfredo Lim and Other Manila Officials Charged With Graft for Illegal Public Bidding

Graft charges were filed against Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and some members of the city's Bid and Awards Committee last April 8, 2010. The charges were filed by Reynaldo Bagatsing after allegedly engaging in an unlawful public bidding for the rehabilitation of 15 schools in Manila. The complainant noted that the bidding of repairs was done not out of necessity but for the personal gain of the involved officials. It was also perceived by the complainant that entering into such transaction placed the city in a disadvantaged position because the involved parties are after the profit and not the due results of the project.

Bagatsing immediately filed his complaint after obtaining an online copy of the bid notice abstract that came from the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement (PhilGEPS), which specifically concerns the rehabilitation of 15 Manila elementary schools. According to Bagatsing, the invitation to bid was posted on the 18th day of February 2010, but the same post also indicated that interested bidders are given only 8 or 2 days (February 10-16, 2010) from the specified date of notice to submit their letter of intent (LOI) to bid, which was already impossible as the indicated dates have already elapsed. However, instead of openly accepting bids from other interested parties, it was well indicated in the attached document request list that three entities were already the preferred bidders. The entities were ALE Builders Construction and Development Corporation, Diamond Head Construction/Supplies, and VITES Construction and Development Corporation.

Reynaldo Bagatsing, Mayor Lim's former legal colleague and legal counsel, said that the anomalous transaction was performed unnecessarily quick and considered it as a bidding violation. The rigging of the said public building failed to adhere to the Republic Act NO. 9184 (R.A. 9148) or Government Procurement Reform Act. In accordance to the proofs presented by the complainant, it was apparent that the involved parties were rushing to implement the bidding, which can be seen from the overlapping dates. This is remotely related to the implementing rules stipulated by R.A. 9148, which stipulates that the advertising and posting of invitations to bid should be twice in a period of 14 calendar days for newspaper ads, while continuous advertisement with a maximum coverage of 14 calendar days for website posting; the issuance of documents for bidding must be carried out within 30 calendar days from the last day of the advertisement posting, while the opening of bids depends upon the amount of the contract but must not be less than 15 calendar days for contracts of up to P25 million.

Members of the Bids and Awards Committee mostly make up the roster of perpetrators in the said transaction. They are named Atty. Rafaelito Garayblas, Atty. Renato Dela Cruz, Vicky Valientes, Leanie S. Sanding, Ma. Lourdes Manlulu, Alicia T. Moscaya and Thelma Perez. Because the Bids and Awards Committee knowingly continued the scheme despite it being illegal, they are held liable for violating Republic Act No. 3019 (R.A. 3019) or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices and Republic Act No. 6713 (R.A. 6713) commonly referred to as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Mayor Alfredo Lim, who consented to the act, also violated the aforementioned laws.

The city of Manila is set to lose P23,550,000.00, associated with this unscrupulous activity. Bagatsing also lamented that by entering into this form of contract, the officials, who acted based on their best interest and gave preference toward their selected bidders chose to deprive the city and its people to save funds which could later on be used for other important projects. He also called for the Obudsman to have this issue examined extensively. This is so in order to provide the justice due to Manila residents and tax payers.

All the evidences presented by Bagatsing clearly manifest how public projects like this could become a breeding ground for illegal activities. Despite the presence of laws that are aimed to deter the existence of fraudulent acts within the government, the people who condone these acts are growing in number each day. As such, illegal activities within the government turns into an issue that is too hard to address. If Mayor Alfredo Lim would not be able to address this matter immediately, not only will jeopardize his career but also the trust that the public has given to him.

Mayor Alfredo Lim, along with some of his colleagues in the Bid and Awards committee were charged with graft and corruption lawsuits following the anomalous bidding for the rehabilitation of 15 classrooms in the city of Manila. Atty. Reynaldo Bagatsing filed the charges, claiming that the transaction was a bidding violation, set to cost Manila P23,550,000.00. The charges against the officials were filed on April 8, 2010. Bagatsing requested the Ombudsman to take immediate action on the said complaint.

Angel Burger House Anomaly Perpetrated By Mayor Alfredo Lim and Other Manila Officials?

Mayor Alfredo Lim is once again placed under public scrutiny after graft charges were filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman last April 8, 2010. A non-existent local assembly was allegedly conspired by Lim and his allies and also falsified receipts, which is said to have costs the city of Manila worth P221, 250.00. The graft charges against Lim and his colleagues were filed by the Mayor's former legal adviser, Reynaldo L. Bagatsing. In his sworn affidavit, Bagatsing requested for the Ombudsman to place the officials under preventive suspension.

Bagatsing also included seven other officials in the said anomaly. The seven officials include Atty. Rafaelito M. Garayblas, Atty. Analyn T. Marcelo-Buan, Maria Lourdes R. Malulu, Cherry Chao, Cecilia V. Sican, Leanie S. Sanding, and Vicky R. Valientes. Bagatsing pointed out that the said officials falsified the original receipts provided by Angel's Burger House. According to Bagatsing, the falsification of the said receipts were related to the fabricated assembly known as the Barangay Peace Keeping Action Team, which was allegedly spearheaded by the Barangay Bureau in all barangays in Manila last August 27, 2009.

To further strengthen his claims about such Manila government anomaly, Bagatsing explained in detail how the events unfolded. Specifically, it was claimed that the officials noted in the accompanying reimbursement voucher that the participants of the non-existent assembly consumed 5,500 pieces of cheeseburgers. Bagatsing took note that a small burger joint like that of Angel's is not capable of producing such large number of orders, as deliveries like that could be finished in 15 days. Adding up to this was the evidence presented by Bagatsing to support his claim""the inspection report filed on October 19, 2009, which showed that the original receipt numbers which were originally 0066 and 0067 were falsified to become 0214 and 0215, and was later on approved by the inspector, Cecilia V. Sican of the City General Services Office (CGSO).

Due to the forged documents presented by the officials to the city treasurer of Manila during the reimbursement process, they were able to obtain P221, 250.00. Hence, it is apparent that the involved Manila officials committed malversation and falsification or articles 217 and 171 of the revised penal code respectively. Likewise, involved officials in this alleged Manila government anomaly failed to adhere to the required bidding process, making them liable for the violation of Section 367 of Republic Act. No. 7160 (R.A. 7160). It should be noted that the P221, 250.00 worth of reimbursement in this transaction exceeded the required amount stated under Section 367 of R.A. 7160, which particularly identified that the procurement of supplies should not exceed the amount of P 150, 000.00 for any items within a month for each of local unit, may it be first or second class cities within the Manila area.

The former legal counsel of Alfredo Lim brought him into charges as he was represented in the said transaction by his secretary Rafaelito Garayblas. Lim's secretary signed the false and manufactured documents, thereby giving his authority and consent among the Manila officials who oversee the fruition of this illegal transaction. Although Lim may not have directly signed in this anomalous activity, the mere fact that his secretary has authorized the existence of this corrupt practice with his knowledge makes him liable as well. On a similar note, considering that Garayblas is Lim's secretary, it is then agreeable that he was informed about the transaction in the first place.

With the election just around the corner, political candidates are vigilant about their actions so as not get themselves involved with illegal activities. Mayor Alfredo Lim, like any other government official, was placed in the position because people trust him. However, this fraudulent transaction that he and his colleagues are allegedly involved with is a clear manifestation of betrayal of the public's trust. Therefore, it would be best for these officials to clarify the surrounding issues in order to shed light to the questions of the public.

Mayor Alfredo Lim and some of his allies are facing graft charges for violating the falsification and malversation law after they allegedly conspire to forge receipts from Angel's Burger House to procure government funds. Reynaldo Bagatsing presented several evidences against this Manila government anomaly, and called for the Ombudsman to place the officials under preventive suspension. Lim was involved in the lawsuit, as he was represented by his secretary Rafaelito Garayblas, who signed the false documents with his consent.

-Julius Arante

Jueteng Problem In Manila Getting Worst

Illegal gambling has once again become rampant in this poverty-stricken city. The Manila Jueteng Problem has once again resurfaced as apparent in the arrests of several people involved in the said illegal form of gambling. Manila mayor Alfredo Lim along MPD director Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay promised that they will rid the city of illegal jueteng operators. Instead, there are intelligence reports that illegal jueteng operators are currently operating in the city.

The recent arrests of several people are clear indications that the once eradicated Manila Jueteng Problem is still flourishing. One of the major reasons why this illegal gambling problem has resurfaced is that police officers and city officials are involved in this trade.This illegal numbers game is believed to possess the blessing of unscrupulous police and city hall officials. In return for the protection extended, these jueteng protectors are bribed with a portion of the profits generated from this illegal activity.

The inefficiency of the police force in arresting these people involved in Jueteng has further escalated the Manila Jueteng Problem.Many people who are involved in this illegal activity were able to elude arrests due to the influence of higher police officials and city hall personnel including the Mayor of Manila. Moreover, jueteng operators in the city have discovered a way to elude arresting police officials. Investigations revealed that jueteng lords in the city operate in a 'kangaroo' style and transfer from one place to another to avoid detection.

Jueteng operators in the city have also developed a sense of resiliency in covering up their illegal operations. To elude and mislead the city's law enforcers, these jueteng collectors are pretending that they are soliciting bets for the government-sponsored EZ-2 lotto.Jueteng is like EZ-2 which is a legal numbers game launched by the government through the PCSO. Jueteng and EZ-2 are both using a winning two-number combination where bettors place their bets.

The only thing that separates the two is that jueteng is drawn secretly and exists as an underground transaction. It is rumored that the winning combination in jueteng is selected by the operator.Jueteng operators choose combinations with fewer bets to increase their profits. Meanwhile, EZ-2 is officially authorized and drawn live on TV.

Unless the city government under Mayor Alfredo Lim and Manila Police Department end their involvement in this kind of illegal activity; the Manila Jueteng Problem will remain unaddressed. If Mayor Lim and Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay are serious in ridding the city of this kind of illegal activity, their action must start within their ranks. They should be running after the protectors and big time jueteng lords instead of arresting small bet collectors. Moreover, the city government must also look into the bigger picture and address the real cause why this illegal numbers game even exists.

The inability of the police force and Mayor of Manila Alfredo Lim to bring those people involved in Jueteng has further aggravated the problem. The reported involvement of police and city halls officials in the illegal activity has made it impossible to address this problem. Moreover, there are other reasons why the Manila jueteng problem has once again resurfaced as apparent in the arrests of several people involved in the said illegal form of gambling.

Alfredo Lim's Anomaly At The Sale Of Century Park Hotel

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno is facing graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for playing a major role in the fraudulent bidding and sale of the Century Park Hotel at a bargain price of P 1 Billion. Lim and Moreno alongside 20 councilors, four other city officials and four John Does are the people involved in a 26-page complaint filed by former legal adviser of Lim and close friend Atty. Reynaldo L. Bagatsing. The complaint calls for nullification of the said anomalous transaction and the penalization of the perpetrators involved.

Bagatsing has expressed his deep concern about that the transaction which he sees as manifestly and grossly disadvantageous to the City of Manila as the city is set to lose almost P2 billion. The five-star Century Park Hotel is currently situated on a 4.5 hectare prime property which could have netted at least P3 billion in sales. Instead, the city government has given the right to the prime property at a bargain price of P1billion, a far cry from what should have been its original price. It was claimed by Bagatsing that Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno has worked for the transaction to take place for the benefit of the mayor's ally in Lucio Tan.

The documents obtained by Bagatsing from the City Assessor's Office clearly shows that the land occupied by the hotel was mysteriously reduced to an area of 22, 967 square meters and worth P 965,261,850 or almost P1 billion. The price of which the land was sold was not based on the current zonal valuation of the land as directed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.In reference to the BIR's assessment, the current value and selling price of prime properties in the Malate-Ermita district ranges from P 50,000 to P 80,000 per square meter. Using the current valuation, the land should have been sold for about P3 billion.

The right to the land was sold to the winning bidder Maranaw Hotels and Resort Corporation, the owner of Century Park Hotel. The corporation is publicly listed and owned by business tycoon Lucio Tan, a known ally of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.In 2003, Tan's firm gained the rights to operate the hotel in 2003 from Tourist Trade and Travel Corporation of the Martel family. Maranaw Hotels and Resort Corporation, the current hotel's operator, made a P1billion bid and was later awarded with the right to the land. It was believed that Lim used his authority to pave the way for the said anomalous transaction due to his closeness to Tan.

It was the city council composed of 20 councilors who granted Lim with the authority to negotiate the sale of the hotel through City Council Resolution No. 176 adopted on August 5, 2008. The city council was also the one who affirmed and ratified the award and sale to Tan's firm through Resolution No. 278 approved on December 23, 2008. The said transaction also took place in complete rush, in only a span of five months after Lim was granted authority to negotiate the sale.To hide the anomalous transactions, the Committee on Bid and Award made and published erratic and false notice of auction in the in the Philippine Star.

All the evidences gathered and collected show clear evidences that there had been an attempt to reduce the price tag for the said property which clearly makes this transaction a sweetheart deal.The deal was made to benefit an ally of Mayor Lim and is a clear betrayal of the city's taxpayers and residents. The participation of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim in this fraudulent transaction is an apparent display of abuse of authority and power, and a clear betrayal of the public's interest.The Ombudsman on its part must look carefully in this case and bring all the people involved to justice.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno are facing graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for their alleged involvement in the fraudulent bidding and sale of the Century Park Hotel at a bargain price of P 1billion. The involvement of the Mayor of Manila in this fraudulent transaction is a clear indication of abuse of authority and power, and a clear betrayal of the public's interest.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim: Manila's Biggest Mistake

The nation's capital which was once regarded as The Pearl of the Orient Seas, further deteriorated and decayed under the leadership of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. As city mayor, Lim has completely negated all the growth and development recorded in the city during the administration of his predecessor.Since he took control, the city has encountered drastic blows to its dream of becoming a premiere and world class city.Moreover, a lot of impoverished Manilenos suffered under the city government's incapacity in delivering basic social needs.

The failures of governance in Manila became more apparent than ever as the city degenerates at a faster pace. Just by walking around Manila's streets can give us an idea how the present administration had become insensible and ignorant of the city's needs. It is no doubt why Manila has been left behind by other Asian cities like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur in all aspects. For a person who loves the city so much, it causes too much pain to accept the fact that the once mighty and lovely city has turned into a complete mess and cesspool. We do not have to go beyond things on finding who's to blame on the deterioration of our beloved nation's capital.No one is more liable for the failures of governance in Manila than Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.The present mayor along with his administration failed miserably in running the city as they completely abandoned and negated what was successfully started by their predecessors. Instead of starting on what was completed by the former mayor; Lim started to employ a new policy and form of governance much to the discontent of the already thriving city residents.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and the city's inability to take action during emergency situations and tragedies was apparent during the recent fire that razed the old downtown Manila.The crowded shantytown was burned down completely and almost 3,000 families lost their homes. The incident further uncovered the city government's lack of evacuation and relocation capabilities as three thousand families were left struggling on finding a new place for shelter. Instead of giving priority to the welfare of the fire victims, the city government was too busy in trying to sell the area to a property developer.

Under Alfredo Lim, a former police officer himself, Manila's peace and order situation degenerated as evident in the record-high levels of crime in the city. The streets of Manila are still haven to some of the most notorious pickpockets and holdup artists. In terms of infrastructure, the city does not have the adequate infrastructure it needs to improve navigation and travel within the city. The city's streets are still filled with all sorts of pollution and traffic flow is chaotic.

The present mayor was also unsuccessful in providing housing programs that could have benefited thousands of homeless people inhabiting almost every city street.Mayor Lim also promised to support any measure that would call for the removal of the oil depot in Pandacan but when the measure was passed, he acted the other way. There is a lack of an economic plan dedicated on uplifting the lives and providing the poor with employment and livelihood opportunities. Public hospitals of the city are seeking for new medical equipment and medical supplies, and there is a shortage of medical facilities to which Manilenos could run into when needed.It was also under Lim's leadership that the beautification of Manila was abandoned as evident in the now stinking Luneta Park and dimmed Avenida Rizal. Manila stinks just like its esteros and streets.

Despite all of these failures of governance in Manila, Alfredo Lim is still searching for another three-year mandate in this forthcoming Manila Election.Lim is again showing several unproven achievements he made during his tenure as city mayor.As he pushes through with his campaign, Lim is again promising to fulfill numerous programs and projects, though majority of his prior promises were not fulfilled.Let's just hope that the Manilenos can realize what it was like before Alfredo Lim.

No one is more accountable for the failures of governance in Manila more than Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. Manila further deteriorated and decayed under the administration of the present mayor. As city mayor, Lim has completely negated all the growth and development gained by the city under the leadership of his predecessors. The present mayor failed miserably in running the city as he completely abandoned and negated what was successfully started by his predecessors.

-Julius Arante

Manila Jueteng Problem: A Never Ending Battle

Illegal gambling has once again become rampant in this poverty-stricken city. The Manila Jueteng Problem is still alive and evident in the arrests of several people involved in the said illegal form of gambling. Manila mayor Alfredo Lim along MPD director Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay vowed that they will rid the city of illegal jueteng operators.Instead, there are intelligence reports that illegal jueteng operators are gradually resuming their activities in the city.

The recent arrests of a number of people are clear evidences that the once eradicated Manila Jueteng Problem is still thriving. Part of the reason why this illegal gambling problem has resurfaced is that police officers and city officials are involved in this trade. This illegal numbers game is believed to possess the blessing of unscrupulous police and city hall officials. In return for the protection extended, these protectors of jueteng are bribed with a portion of the profits generated from this illegal activity.

The inefficiency of the police force in arresting these people involved in Jueteng has further escalated the Manila Jueteng Problem.Many people who are actively participating in this illegal activity were able to avoid arrests due to the influence of higher police officials and city hall personnel including the Mayor of Manila.Moreover, jueteng operators in the city have found a way to evade arresting police officials. Investigations found out that jueteng lords in the city work using 'kangaroo' style and they transfer from one place to another to elude detection.

Jueteng operators in the city have also found a sense of resiliency in how to cover up their illegal operations.To deceit and mislead the city's law enforcers, these jueteng collectors pretend they are soliciting bets for the government-sponsored EZ-2 lotto. Jueteng bares resemblance to EZ-2 which is a legal numbers game launched by the government through the PCSO.Jueteng and EZ-2 both use a winning two-number combination where bettors make their bets.

The only thing that separates the two is that jueteng is drawn secretly and exists as an underground transaction. It is believed that the winning combination in jueteng is handpicked by the operator. Jueteng operators choose combinations with fewer bets to increase their profits. Meanwhile, EZ-2 is officially permitted and drawn live on TV.

Unless the city government under Mayor Alfredo Lim and Manila Police Department end their involvement in this kind of illegal activity; the Manila Jueteng Problem will remain unaddressed. If Mayor Lim and Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay are serious in ridding the city of this kind of illegal activity, their action must start within their ranks. They should be running after the protectors and big time jueteng lords instead of arresting small bet collectors. Moreover, the city government must also look into the bigger picture and address the real cause why this illegal numbers game even exists.

There are many reasons why the Manila jueteng problem has once again resurfaced as apparent in the arrests of several people involved in the said illegal form of gambling. The reported involvement of police and city halls officials in the illegal activity has made it impossible to address this problem. Moreover, the inability of the police force and Mayor of Manila Alfredo Lim to bring those people involved in Jueteng has further aggravated the problem.

-Julius Arante

Alfredo Lim: The Truth Behind EDSA1

Alfredo Lim has been constantly getting accolades and admiration for the role he played during the famed EDSA 1.The mayor of Manila, who is seeking reelection, has been making frivolous claims and false representations to bolster his image as a real EDSA 1 hero. Mayor Lim has been successful in doing so as evident in the current status of his political career. However, as he successfully builds up his reputation, he also continues to misrepresent the facts.

Recorded events of old Manila watch will enlighten us with the truth about Alfredo Lim.The mayor of Manila has been building up his image for political purposes at the expense of another great unknown EDSA hero in Col. Jose H. Dawis.Dawis acted as the Chief of Police of Quezon City during EDSA 1 under the control of the then General Lim.Dawis is witness to how the former general acted during the height of EDSA1. However, his account of Lim's participation in EDSA1 is still untold and misrepresented.

Colonel Dawis witnessed how General Lim acted like a coward during the height of demonstrations and protests. As Commanding General, Lim was not brave enough to confront the angry demonstrators and was cowardly hiding in small Antique shop in P. Tuazon the whole time laden with fear. He was very hesitant and fearful that he passed on the burden of controlling the crowd in EDSA to his personnel.Dawis was ordered by General Lim to disperse the crowd in EDSA at all cost upon the order of order of then President Ferdinand Marcos.

Colonel Dawis at that time only had a handful of 100 people under him when he was ordered by General Lim to disperse the crowd of more than 100,000 in EDSA. To help Colonel Dawis, General Lim has promised him with additional 500 military men to help him in the dispersion of the crowd in EDSA. But Colonel Dawis was disobedient.The brave Colonel defied Gen. Lim's orders and told him that he will not disperse the crowd who were just expressing their grievances peacefully.

The insubordination of Colonel Dawis has made General Lim enraged and fuming.He was completely furious with how Colonel Dawis responded and disobeyed his orders. As a response, General Lim started to speak angrily to Colonel Dawis who remained unfazed.Colonel Dawis stuck to his principles and did not follow the orders of his superior officer despite the threats of losing his job.

Former Senator Butch Aquino can attest to this claim since he and Colonel Dawis had developed a very good relationship. Colonel Dawis was very considerate and warm to the opposition leaders and would allow them to protest peacefully in Quezon City.

This is a clear suggestion that the accolades and admiration that Alfredo Lim enjoys should be withdrawn from him.Lim does not deserve to be regarded as one of the many real heroes of EDSA1 for the fact that he was never one. Lim is confusing the public into believing his false claims and misrepresentations of facts at the expense of another great and worthy hero. Colonel Dawis is the real EDSA1 hero and should be the one receiving all the necessary accolades and recognition, and not the person who desperately tries to build his self a reputation using nothing but lies.

The mayor of Manila, who is seeking reelection, has been making frivolous claims and false representation to bolster his image as a real EDSA one hero. Mayor Alfredo Lim has in many ways succeeded in doing so as evident in the current status of his political career. On the contrary, Lim is using his frivolous claims and misrepresentations of facts at the expense of another great and worthy hero, Colonel Dawis.

Manila Jueteng Problem And Mayor Alfredo Lim

Illegal gambling remains rampant in this poverty-stricken city. The Manila Jueteng Problem is still alive and evident in the arrests of several people involved in the said illegal form of gambling. Manila mayor Alfredo Lim along MPD director Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay promised that they will rid the city of illegal jueteng operators. Instead, there are intelligence reports that illegal jueteng operators are slowly resuming their activities in the city.

The recent arrests of several people are apparent evidences that the once eradicated Manila Jueteng Problem is still prospering.One of the main reasons why this illegal gambling problem has resurfaced is that police officers and city officials are involved in this trade. This illegal numbers game has the blessing of corrupt and unscrupulous policemen and city hall officials.In return for the protection extended, these jueteng guardians are bribed with a portion of the profits generated from this illegal activity.

The inability of the police force to prosecute these people involved in Jueteng has further escalated the Manila Jueteng Problem. Many people who are engaged in this illegal activity were able to evade arrests due to the influence of higher police officials and city hall personnel including the Mayor of Manila. Moreover, jueteng operators in the city have developed a way to avoid arresting police officials.Investigations found out that jueteng lords in the city work using 'kangaroo' style and they transfer from one place to another to elude detection.

Jueteng operators in the city have also developed a sense of resiliency in covering up their illegal operations. To elude and mislead the city's law enforcers, these jueteng collectors are pretending that they are soliciting bets for the government-sponsored EZ-2 lotto.Jueteng is almost similar to EZ-2 which is a legal numbers game launched by the government through the PCSO. Jueteng and EZ-2 both involved a winning two-number combination where bettors place their bets.

The only thing that separates the two is that jueteng is drawn secretly and exists as an underground transaction. It is rumored that the winning combination in jueteng is selected by the operator.Jueteng operators choose combinations with fewer bets to increase their profits. Meanwhile, EZ-2 is officially permitted and drawn live on TV.

Unless the city government under Mayor Alfredo Lim and Manila Police Department admit and end their involvement in this kind of illegal activity; the Manila Jueteng Problem will remain unanswered.If Mayor Lim and Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay are serious in ridding the city of this kind of illegal activity, their action must start within their ranks. They should be hunting down protectors and big time jueteng lords instead of arresting small bet collectors.Moreover, the city government must also look into the bigger picture and address the real cause why this illegal numbers game even exists.

The inability of the police force and Mayor of Manila Alfredo Lim to bring those people involved in Jueteng has further aggravated the problem. The reported involvement of police and city halls officials in the illegal activity has made it impossible to address this problem. Moreover, there are other reasons why the Manila jueteng problem has once again resurfaced as apparent in the arrests of several people involved in the said illegal form of gambling.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim And Failures of Governance in Manila

The nation's capital which was once called The Pearl of the Orient Seas, deteriorated and decayed under the administration of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. As city mayor, Lim has completely negated all the growth and development gained by the city under the leadership of his predecessor. Since he took helm, the city has experienced severe blows to its dream of becoming a premiere and world class city. Moreover, a lot of impoverished Manilenos suffered under the city government's incapacity in delivering basic social needs.

The failures of governance in Manila became more evident than ever as the city degenerates at a faster pace. Just by taking a walk around Manila's streets can enlighten us on how the present administration had become insensible and ignorant of the city's needs. It is no wonder why Manila has been consistently lagging behind other Asian cities like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur in all aspects.For a person who loves the city so much, it is too painful to digest the fact that the once mighty and lovely city has turned into a complete mess and cesspool. We do not have to go beyond things on finding who's to blame on the deterioration of our beloved nation's capital.No one is more accountable for the failures of governance in Manila than Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. The present mayor along with his administration failed miserably in running the city as they completely abandoned and negated what was successfully started by their predecessors. Instead of sustaining what was started by the former mayor; Lim started a new policy and form of governance much to the dismay of the already prospering city residents.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and the city's incapacity to respond during emergency situations and tragedies was seen during the recent fire that razed the old downtown Manila. The crowded shantytown was burned down completely and almost 3,000 families lost their homes. The incident further exposed the city government's poor evacuation and relocation capabilities as three thousand families were left struggling on finding a new place for shelter. Instead of giving priority to the welfare of the fire victims, the city government was too busy in trying to sell the area to a property developer.

Under Alfredo Lim, a former police officer himself, Manila's peace and order situation was at its worst as evident in the record-high levels of crime recorded in the city.The streets of Manila are still filled with some of the most notorious pickpockets and holdup artists.In terms of infrastructure; the city is still lacking the infrastructure it needs to improve navigation and travel within the city.The city's streets are still polluted and traffic flow is chaotic.

The present mayor was also unsuccessful in providing housing programs that could have benefited thousands of homeless people inhabiting almost every city street.Mayor Lim also promised to support any measure that would call for the removal of the oil depot in Pandacan but when the measure was passed, he acted the other way. There is a lack of an economic plan dedicated on uplifting the lives and providing the poor with employment and livelihood opportunities. Public hospitals of the city are struggling on looking for new medical equipment and medical supplies, and there is a little availability of medical facilities to which Manilenos could run into when needed. It was also under Lim's leadership that the beautification of Manila was abandoned as evident in the now stinking Luneta Park and dimmed Avenida Rizal. Manila is stinking just like its esteros and streets.

Despite all of these failures of governance in Manila, Alfredo Lim is still running for reelection in this forthcoming Manila Election. Lim is again showing several unproven achievements he made during his tenure as city mayor.As he goes through with his campaign, Lim is again promising a lot of things to fulfill, though much of his earlier promises were not fulfilled. Let's just hope that the Manilenos can recognize what it was like when Alfredo Lim was not their mayor.

Manila further deteriorated and decayed under the administration of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. As city mayor, Lim has completely negated all the growth and development gained by the city under the leadership of his predecessors. The failures of governance in Manila became more apparent in almost all aspects. The present mayor failed miserably in running the city as he completely abandoned and negated what was successfully started by his predecessors.

Alfredo Lim And His Untold Story

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim is widely regarded as the city's version of John Wayne, Django Kojak and Dirty Harry. The former Western Police District (WPD) head and former Director of the NBI has been endowed with countless accolades and recognition for what he was able to achieve during his stint as police officer.The media has been constantly portraying Lim as a no-nonsense, honest to goodness police officer. Moreover, Lim is now considered as a hero of Manila and admired for his courage and devotion to duty for his beloved city.

It is a sad fact that many people have bought these kinds of stories that were created and written by no less than Alfredo Lim himself. Lim has had success his manipulation of the media which has helped him in building an outstanding reputation as a former police officer. Many people have been misled into believing that Manila's most outstanding policeman's rise to power is nothing but a product of years of dedication and hard work. The true story behind this fancied Manila Mayor and former MPD chief continues to be untold which is part of the reason why he still enjoys popularity and recognition among Manilenos.

Not too many people know about the dark side of Mayor Lim due to his constant manipulation of the media during his tenure in the MPD. Lim's well-documented exploits and heroics were fictions written by his media friends. With the help of the media compassionate to him, Alfredo Lim's dark side were successfully hidden and remained uncovered for many years. Whereas, what should have been written about him was exactly the opposite of what has been touted by the media quarters.

There exist untold stories which can lead us to the truthful side of this former police chief.Lim's career as a police officer is exactly the opposite of what the media has been telling us for many years. Alfredo Lim was once a corrupt cop. Lim's stint as a police officer was flawed with reported cases of corruption, utter disregard for the law, abuse of authority and human rights violations including "salvaging," shady deals and a reign of terror, all perpetrated by Lim and his cohorts.

Alfredo Lim was a master of manipulations as revealed by his comrades in uniform. Lim knew very well the many ways of soliciting loyalty and support from his colleagues and subordinates in the police force. He worked his way and manipulated his subordinates to get their support for his personal gain and promotion.His manipulative nature has also helped him in covering up his misdeeds and his affiliation to a number of syndicates and illegal activities. Lim is also known for his reputation as a patron of Manila's drug lords and smugglers. The former MPD chief is affiliated with one of the most powerful drug lords in Manila. Lim has extended protection to a number of drug lords of the city including his friend Manuel Velasco, the leader of a big drug syndicate at Binondo; and even his nephew a certain Maynard Limcangco Siojo.Aside from illegal drugs, Lim has also been closely identified with big time smugglers and smuggling syndicates.

Alfredo Lim was successful in hiding all his wrongful acts and misdeed he has done during his stint in as police chief. The media has been constantly portraying Lim as a no-nonsense; honest to goodness police officer. The dark side of Mayor Lim continues to be untold and remained uncovered. The Manila Mayor's success in portraying himself as an outstanding police officer is nothing but a product of his ability to manipulate media. The Manila Mayor's success in portraying himself as an outstanding police officer is nothing but a product of his ability to manipulate media. Alfredo Lim was successful in hiding all his wrongful acts and misdeed he has done during his stint in as police chief. The media has been constantly portraying Lim as a no-nonsense; honest to goodness police officer. Meanwhile, the dark side of Mayor Lim continues to be untold and remained uncovered.

-Julius Arante

Alfredo Lim: A Hero Of EDSA1?

Alfredo Lim has been consistently receiving accolades and admiration for the role he played during the famed EDSA 1. The mayor of Manila, who is running for reelection, has been stating false claims and wrong representation to solidify his image as a real EDSA 1 hero.Mayor Lim has in many ways succeeded in doing so as evident in the current status of his political career. However, as he continues to be successful in building up his reputation, he is also consistently making continuous misrepresentation of the facts.

Recorded events of old Manila watch will show us exactly the opposite of what Alfredo Lim has been claiming. The mayor of Manila has been building up his image for his own political gain at the expense of another great unknown EDSA hero in Col. Jose H. Dawis. Dawis served as the Chief of Police of Quezon City during EDSA 1 under the leadership of the then General Lim. Dawis knew very well how the former general acted during the height of EDSA1. However, his account of Lim's participation in EDSA1 continues to be untold and misrepresented.

Colonel Dawis knew very well how General Lim acted like a coward during the height of demonstrations and protests.As Commanding General, Lim was too afraid to deal with the angry demonstrators and was cowardly hiding in small Antique shop in P. Tuazon the whole time laden with fear.He was so reluctant and afraid that he passed on the burden of controlling the crowd in EDSA to his personnel. Dawis remembered that it was General Lim who ordered him to disperse the crowd in EDSA at all cost upon the order of order of then President Ferdinand Marcos.

Colonel Dawis at that time only had a handful of 100 people under him when he was ordered by General Lim to disperse the crowd of more than 100,000 in EDSA. To help Colonel Dawis' in his job, General Lim has promised him with additional 500 military men to help him in the dispersion of the crowd in EDSA.But Colonel Dawis was disobedient.The brave Colonel defied Gen. Lim's orders and told him that he will not disperse the crowd who were just expressing their grievances peacefully.

The defiance of Colonel Dawis made General Lim furious and fuming. He was completely mad with how Colonel Dawis responded and defied his orders. As a response, General Lim started to berate Colonel Dawis who remained unmoved. Colonel Dawis remained with his principles and defied the orders of his superior officer despite the threats of losing his job.

Former Senator Butch Aquino can confirm this claim since he and Colonel Dawis had developed a very good relationship. Colonel Dawis was very sympathetic and helpful to the opposition leaders and would allow them to protest peacefully in Quezon City.

This is a clear suggestion that the accolades and admiration that Alfredo Lim enjoys should be withdrawn from him.Lim should not be bestowed with the recognition as one of the many real heroes of EDSA1 for the fact that he was never one.Lim is misleading the public into believing his frivolous claims and misrepresentations of facts at the expense of another great and worthy hero. Colonel Dawis is the real EDSA1 hero and should be the one receiving all the necessary accolades and recognition, and not the person who desperately tries to build his self a reputation using nothing but lies.

The mayor of Manila, who is seeking reelection, has been making frivolous claims and false representation to bolster his image as a real EDSA one hero. Mayor Alfredo Lim has been erroneously receiving accolades and admiration and has in many ways succeeded in doing so as evident in the current status of his political career. On the contrary, Lim is using his frivolous claims and misrepresentations of facts at the expense of another great and worthy hero, Colonel Dawis.

-Julius Arante

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim Faces Graft Charges For Sale Of Century Park Hotel

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno is facing graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for their alleged involvement in the fraudulent bidding and sale of the Century Park Hotel at a bargain price of P 1 Billion. Lim and Moreno alongside 20 councilors, four other city officials and four John Does are also facing graft charges in a 26-page complaint filed by former legal adviser of Lim and close friend Atty. Reynaldo L. Bagatsing.The complaint is calling for the immediate nullification of the said anomalous transaction and the appropriate punishment for the perpetrators involved.

Bagatsing has been alarmed by the transaction which he believes is manifestly and grossly disadvantageous to the City of Manila as the city is set to lose almost P2 billion.The five-star Century Park Hotel is currently located on a 4.5 hectare prime property which could have earned the city government with at least P3 billion in sales. Instead, the city government has given the right to the prime property at a bargain price of P1billion, a far cry from what should have been its original price. It was claimed by Bagatsing that Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno has worked for the transaction to take place for the benefit of the mayor's ally in Lucio Tan.

The documents obtained by Bagatsing from the City Assessor's Office shows that the land occupied by the hotel was inexplicably reduced to an area of 22, 967 square meters and worth P 965,261,850 or almost P1 billion. The price of which the land was sold does not actually reflect the current zonal valuation of the land as directed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue. In reference to the BIR's valuation, the current value and selling price of prime properties in the Malate-Ermita district ranges from P 50,000 to P 80,000 per square meter. Using the current valuation, the land should have been sold for about P3 billion.

The land was sold to the alleged winning bidder, Maranaw Hotels and Resort Corporation, the owner of Century Park Hotel. The corporation is publicly listed under the name of business tycoon Lucio Tan, a known ally of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. In 2003, Tan's firm obtained the rights to operate the hotel in 2003 from Tourist Trade and Travel Corporation of the Martel family. Maranaw Hotels and Resort Corporation, the current hotel's operator, submitted a P1 billion bid and won the right to the land. It is believed that Lim may have played a hand in the said anomalous transaction due to his closeness to Tan.

It was claimed that the city council composed of 20 councilors have granted Lim with the authority to negotiate the sale of the hotel through City Council Resolution No. 176 adopted on August 5, 2008. The city council has also confirmed and ratified the award and sale to Tan's firm through Resolution No. 278 approved on December 23, 2008.The said transaction also took place in complete haste, in only a span of five months after Lim was granted authority to negotiate the sale. To hide the anomalous transactions, the Committee on Bid and Award made and published erratic and false notice of auction in the in the Philippine Star.

All the evidences gathered and collected show clear evidences that there had been an attempt to reduce the price tag for the said property which clearly makes this transaction a sweetheart deal.The deal was made to benefit an ally of Mayor Lim and is a clear betrayal of the city's taxpayers and residents. The involvement of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim in this anomalous transaction is a clear evidence of abuse of authority and power, and a clear betrayal of the public's interest. The Ombudsman on its part must take a closer look in this case and bring all the people involved to justice.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno are facing graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for their alleged involvement in the fraudulent bidding and sale of the Century Park Hotel at a bargain price of P 1billion. The involvement of the Mayor of Manila in this fraudulent transaction is a clear indication of abuse of authority and power, and a clear betrayal of the public's interest.

-Julius Arante