Erap asks Lim supporters to resign

MANILA, Philippines - Former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada yesterday asked city hall officials and employees who refuse to support his reform programs because of their loyalty to his predecessor to quit their jobs.

In a speech delivered at the city hall’s flag-raising ceremony, Estrada also urged officials and employees to stop engaging in politics.

“If there are people here who could not support me as their duly elected mayor or who do not want to help me with my programs, I am now prepared to accept your resignation,” Estrada said.

He also sought an end to politicking amid reports that supporters of former Manila mayor Alfredo Lim are sowing intrigues.

“Today, I ask for your full cooperation, not your treachery. If you cannot give me that, then we must part ways and allow us to do our job instead of you staying here to undermine our efforts,” Estrada said.

He said that when he assumed his post, he did not remove any employee without any justifiable reason or merely because of politics.

“What was in my mind was to fulfill my promise to all Manileños to bring back peace and order, progress and the beauty of Manila,” Estrada said.

He added that all he wants is for all Manila residents, officials and employees to unite for the betterment of the city.

Estrada said the city government was bankrupt when he assumed his post in 2013.

“This is the problem we have and continue to address. I hope that you will all make a positive contribution towards redeeming and restoring the glory of this city instead of the glory of bad and corrupt governance. Our Supreme Court has spoken, and we must respect this decision,” Estrada said, referring to the high court’s recent ruling junking the disqualification case filed against him.

Estrada said he is confident that Manila can move forward and come July, their city will already be debt-free.