3 candidates seek top Manila post

A three-way fight looms for the Manila mayoralty race next year after another candidate, the son of a former mayor, was reported to be eyeing the post.

Rep. Amado Bagatsing of the city’s fifth district—son of the late Manila Mayor Ramon Bagatsing—plans to run against incumbent Mayor Joseph Estrada, who is seeking reelection, and former Mayor Alfredo Lim, who is eyeing a comeback.

A well-placed source inside Bagatsing’s camp told the Inquirer that Councilor Ali Atienza would be his running mate. Atienza is the son of Buhay party-list representative and former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

Bagatsing, who is serving his third and final term, will run as an alternative to Estrada and Lim, as public consultations held by the congressman’s camp reportedly showed that residents were losing faith in the two leaders, the source said.

“He’s heeding the call of the public for him to run as mayor,” the source added.–Nathaniel R. Melican