Lim takes swipe at Estrada at Bonifacio Day rites

Mayor Alfredo Lim and Joseph Estrada. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim used the observance of revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio’s 149th birth anniversary on Friday to attack his rival in the 2013 mayoral election, former President Joseph Estrada.

Lim said the commemoration of Bonifacio’s valor signified Manila as the city of heroes and greatness, but, in an allusion to Estrada, he rued the glorification of hoodlums in movies.

“It’s true that Manila has its hoodlums, gangsters and enemies of the law like Asiong Salonga. I am just saying the truth because I’m saddened that the lives of these gangsters are turned into movies,” he said.

While Lim did not name Estrada, it was clear he was taking a swipe at the ousted president, who was convicted of plunder and whose acting career was launched by his first starring role in “Asiong Salonga.” Lim himself is working with actor Cesar Montano on the fourth movie about the incumbent mayor’s life.

“Asiong had seven records, illegal possession of firearms, robbery with homicide, etc. He was killed by another robber over the sharing of their loot. That’s the true Asiong Salonga,” Lim said.

Montano dropped by the wreath-laying ceremony at the Bonifacio Shrine near the Manila City Hall. Aside from portraying Lim in the former policeman’s biopic, Montano also played the role of Bonifacio in the Manila Film Festival entry “El Presidente.”

He likened Bonifacio’s love for country to Lim’s dedication in serving Manila.

“I saw his dedication in service and fighting crimes to uplift Manila. There are backward thinkers who want to bring down Manila and we need a strong and principled leader, which I saw in our beloved Mayor Lim,” Montano said.

Lim said Manila has been overrun by criminals like Asiong Salonga and it was time to restore the city’s greatness.

“Our love for Bonifacio should translate into passionate, honorable and clean service for the city. Not those who steal from the public coffers,” Lim said.