Lim on Manila mayoralty foes: ‘Wala sila sa‘kin’

SHAME CAMPAIGN When he was Manila mayor, Alfredo Lim started a spray-painting drive meant to shame drug pushers and users. His mantra at the time was: “The law applies to all or none at all.” —INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — When Alfredo Lim was asked Friday who among his rivals for the Manila mayoralty post would be his closest competitor, he only had one thing to say: “Wala sila sa‘kin.”

Lim, who is aspiring to become Manila’s top executive again, is on a three-way fight with incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and former vice mayor Isko Moreno in the May 13 elections.

The 89-year-old mayoral candidate was also a former Manila police chief, National Bureau of Investigation director, and senator. He earned the moniker “Dirty Harry” for his tough campaign against illegal drugs and criminality in the nation’s capital city.

Lim said he is confident about his chances of winning because he still feels the warmth of Manila residents.

“Wala namang taong tumatalikod pagdating ko eh. Maganda ang kanilang pagtanggap,” he said.

“Hindi naman ako kakandidato kung hindi ako naniniwalang mananalo ako eh,” he added.

He noted he will not engage in negative campaigning against his rivals. Lim urged his supporters to carefully scrutinize candidates.

“Ang hamon ko lang sa inyo, itanong ninyo sa inyong sarili, sino ba ang karapat-dapat na manungkulan sa ating pamahalaan,” he told his audience in a restaurant in Tondo.

“Piliin ninyo ‘yung magandang kaugalian. Dahil ang pagkatao n’ya sa simula sa pagkabata hanggang sa nagka-edad, kung wala naman siyang inaapi, wala naman syang pineperwisyo, bagkus s’ya ay tumutulong sa nangangailangan, ‘yun ang kailangan natin,” he added.

Lim met with his supporters, mostly senior citizens, after attending Mass in Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish Church early Friday morning before embarking on a motorcade around the district. The campaign period for local candidates started March 29.

INQUIRER.net is trying to reach Moreno and Estrada for their reaction on Lim’s remarks, as of this posting. /kga