Noynoy to swear in 200 local execs

MANILA, Philippines - President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III will administer the oath of office to 200 local government officials from all over the country after his own inauguration tomorrow.

The oath taking ceremony will be held at the Malacañang Palace tomorrow afternoon.

Among those who will take their oath before Aquino is re-elected Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, the city government said yesterday. When he was elected mayor in 2007, he took his oath of office before then Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno in Manila.

Shortly after assuming office in 2007, he gave the go-signal for the removal of squatters in Quiapo, Manila’s notorious “Little Vietnam.” The eviction started on July 6, 2007, after a dialogue with imams (Muslim religious leaders) and village leaders who signified their approval to clean the area, notorious for its killings and illegal drug trade.

He also ordered the removal of all business establishments in the Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard to make the area a “wholesome park for everyone.” The establishment of bars and restaurants in Baywalk was a project of Lim’s predecessor and rival in the last elections, erstwhile environment secretary Lito Atienza.

Lim is known for his spray-painting the homes of alleged drug pushers and drug lords.

Shalani to take oath before Valenzuela judge

Valenzuela Councilor Shalani Soledad, together with other incoming city officials, will take their oath of office before Valenzuela Regional Trial Court Judge Nena Santos at the Bulwagang Katarungan this afternoon.

Soledad, the girlfriend of Aquino, will take her oath at about 3 p.m. together with re-elected Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian and other local officials.

The city council will be headed by re-elected Vice Mayor Eric Martinez. He will be joined by Councilors Ritchie Cuadra, Katherine Pineda, Antonio Espiritu, Gerry Esplana, Cora Cortez and Marlon Alejandrino from the first district.

Completing the council are Soledad and Councilors Kate Galang-Coseteng, Cecil Mayo, Lai Nolasco, Lorie Natividad-Borja and Adrian Dapat from the second district.   – With Sandy Araneta, Perseus Echeminada