Cop vs cop in Manila's 2010 mayoralty race

MANILA, Philippines - Presuming that incumbent Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim intends to seek re-election, it would be a former police general against another in the race for the city’s top post in 2010, presidential adviser on the peace process Avelino Razon Jr. said yesterday.

Razon, who visited The STAR office yesterday, said he will definitely run for mayor next year to improve the lives of residents who have been neglected for the past 21 years by the city’s chief executives.

“For 21 years, how many mayors have served Manila? There are only two. Lim and (current Environment Secretary Lito) Atienza. What happened to the city (during their terms)? Then they want to come back,” he said.

Razon said he and Atienza are friends, but his calling to serve and help improve the lives of his fellow Manileños is his top priority at present.

“I may not agree with your politics, but we are not enemies. I will not (sling mud at) or destroy or sabotage you,” Razon said, referring to Atienza and Lim.

He said as early as April, he already asked the permission of President Arroyo to run for Manila mayor.

“She said she cannot give her official endorsement to anyone. I think she will not give her endorsement to any.  Lim and Atienza will both run,” Razon said.

Razon said he is eyeing to run under the banner of the Nacionalista Party or the Liberal Party. He said the Lakas-Kampi party is inclined to choose Atienza as its official mayoralty candidate for Manila in 2010.

A fourth-year law student and a holder of master’s degrees in business administration and public administration, Razon said he is different from Lim, though they both served as police generals.

“I believe in consultative and participative governance. You must be multi-faceted,” he said.

Razon, who was born in Oroquieta, Sta. Cruz, said the city has generated P7.5 billion in revenues, but this was not properly used for basic services such as health, housing, employment and education.

He said should he be elected mayor of Manila, he will focus on providing better health care; upgrading hospital facilities and purchasing equipment; generating more jobs; improving educational institutions; making the city more business-friendly, and curbing crime through peace and order measures, “with emphasis on order.”

“My calling comes with my realization that I have not served my city after 34 years of serving in the police force. Most likely, Atienza will get party nomination. But I will continue to run because what I am fighting for is for the people of Manila. Mayor (Ramon) Bagatsing, who had served Manila was a police officer,” Razon said.

Razon said a mayoralty candidate in Manila would need at least P120 million for his campaign.

“I will get funding from donations and firms. I will choose them so that I will not be beholden to them. We will also have a dinner for a cause. There are also some well-meaning friends who give help,” he said.