P-Noy proclaims Lim as LP’s bet

MANILA, Philippines - Thousands of Team PNoy supporters, clad in yellow and chanting “Ikaw pa rin (You’re still the one)!” trooped to the Bonifacio Shrine in Plaza Lawton yesterday afternoon to show their support for re-electionist Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.

President Aquino, who was among the early birds at the rally, proclaimed Lim and his running mate, Councilor Lou Veloso, as the candidates for the Liberal Party (LP).

Traffic was stalled on both lanes of Taft Avenue as Lim supporters marched towards the Liwasang Bonifacio area as early as 2 p.m., unmindful of the searing summer heat.

Aquino thanked the Manileños for their support for his administration and endorsed Lim and his entire ticket to “ensure the continuous journey of the country towards the straight path.”

Pulled punches

Aquino lambasted his predecessor anew but refused to criticize his good friend, former President Joseph Estrada, during Lim’s proclamation rally.

“Wala po tayong masasabi sa mga kalaban ni Mayor Lim (We have nothing to say against the opponents of Mayor Lim),” he said. 

As expected, Aquino took a swipe at former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is seeking re-election as Pampanga congresswoman, over anomalies that allegedly occurred during her term as the country’s top official.

The LP’s titular head once again enumerated Arroyo’s alleged “sins.”

He cited the proposed dredging of the Pasig River, which he described as very similar to the P18-billion Laguna de Bay project he rejected.

Arroyo is being tried in court for plunder and electoral sabotage, while Estrada was convicted by the Sandiganbayan for plunder.

The President recounted Lim’s long list of accomplishments, which he said was a testimony to the mayor’s dedication to serve the residents of the city.

“Through this alone we will know who is really out to serve the people. Kaya’t bakit pa natin papalitan ang magaling (Why would we replace someone who is good)?” he said.

Erap ‘must be drunk’

On the sidelines of the rally, Lim was in a fighting mood and slammed former President Estrada and erstwhile ally Vice Mayor Isko Moreno for “their baseless allegations that Manila has gone to waste during his incumbency.”

“Does this look rotten to you?” he told reporters, referring to Estrada’s tirades that Manila has become rotten. “He must be drunk.”

Lim also hit his rivals for lying to the public, saying “birds of the same feather flock together.”

Team PNoy Senate bets back Lim

Administration senatorial candidates expressed their support for Lim’s re-election bid, vowing that the former senator and National Bureau of Investigation chief can guarantee the continuation of reforms Aquino had initiated since mid-2010.

Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, first cousin of the President, and former Sen. Jamby Madrigal said Lim’s good track record is needed to develop and enhance the improvements the Manila City government has done.

“I support Mayor Lim’s platform of peace and order in the streets of Manila. With a safe and secure city come investments, business and job opportunities which comprise the advocacies that I am currently espousing,” Aquino told reporters.

In a separate interview, Madrigal, who won a Senate seat in the 2004 elections through the backing of Estrada, said Lim is the only candidate pushing the “straight path” campaign of Aquino. She is a friend to both Lim and Estrada.