Metro mayors back Lim

MANILA, Philippines - Metropolitan Manila mayors and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday declared their support for Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim in view of reports that he is among those who have been recommended for prosecution by the incident investigation and review committee (IIRC). 

In a one-page manifesto, the 16 mayors expressed their support, sincere gratitude and profound respect for Lim and their belief that the Aug. 23 hostage-taking incident “should not define the exemplar of public service that he continues to be.”

Aside from MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, other signatories are Mayors Benjamin Abalos, Jr. (Mandaluyong City); Herbert Bautista (Quezon City); Jejomar Erwin Binay, Jr. (Makati City); Guia Gomez (San Juan); Del de Guzman (Marikina); Vergel Aguilar (Las Piñas); Florencio Bernabe, Jr. (Parañaque City); Enrico Echiverri (Caloocan City); Robert Eusebio (Pasig City); Sherwin Gatchalian (Valenzuela City); Jaime Medina (Municipality of Pateros); Canuto Oreta (Malabon City); John Rey Tiangco (Navotas City); Antonio Calixto (Pasay City); Aldrin San Pedro (Muntinlupa City); and Laarni Cayetano (Taguig).

The manifesto cited Lim for leading a distinguished career marked by a firm resolve to implement the rule of law and having earned numerous commendations and awards as a policeman since the 1950s.

Lim, whom they said was elected mayor of Manila in 1995 and then re-elected with the highest majority of votes in the history of Manila politics, “served the country as Department of Interior and Local Government secretary, thereafter as senator of the Republic.”

 “It is well accepted that Mayor Lim implemented his platform of a strong law and order program. This reduced crime in the city of Manila. He also succeeded in cleaning up and beautifying the City of Man,” the mayors and MMDA stated.

The manifesto of the MMDA and the Metro Manila mayors was the latest of the countless manifestations of support that Lim had been receiving following reports that his name was included in the list of those recommended for prosecution by the IIRC headed by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

Among those who have supported Lim in the belief that he has not committed any wrongdoing during the hostage-taking incident and performed his functions in accordance with what is dictated by law are private entities, lawyers’ groups, judges associations, the city employees, student groups, city councilors representing the six districts of Manila and the Liga ng Mga Barangay headed by Councilor Philip Lacuna and which is comprised of the officials from the city’s 897 barangays.

Lim’s office has also been swamped with letters and offers of free legal services from lawyers who believe he performed his functions well during the said incident.

Lim’s order to arrest SPO3 Gregorio Mendoza, brother of slain hostage taker Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza, has reportedly triggered the latter to engage in a shooting rampage.

Lim has maintained he did not order the arrest of Gregorio, but instead told former Manila Police District (MPD) Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay “to handcuff” him to restrain his movement as he appeared to be an accomplice of his brother in the hostage-taking.

However, the IIRC findings showed Lim’s culpability in almost all the critical points of the hostage incident.

While insisting that he did nothing wrong, and merely adhered to the “rules of engagement” during the hostage incident, Lim however said he is willing to go behind bars.

Lim said he is ready to take full responsibility, but pleaded probers to spare Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, and the policemen who risked their lives. He stressed that policemen should not be demonized just because of the incident which was perpetrated by a dismissed police officer.