Manila Media Bureau
DECEMBER 18, 2008 

LIM CONFERS SERVICE LOYALTY AWARDS TO CITY EMPLOYEES 

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim will confer loyalty awards to city government employees who have rendered thirty, twenty and ten year’s continuous service in the city, on December 19, 2008, in a simple ceremony to be held at the Bulwagang Gat. Antonio J. Villegas. 

Deputy Mayor and concurrently City Personnel Officer Jose L. Silva, City Personnel Office said the Awarding of the City Service Loyalty is in line with the celebration of the Government Employees’ Week. 

A total of 48 employees have rendered 30 years in service, while 226 employees rendered in 20 years and 256 employees have rendered a total of 10 years in service at the Manila City Hall. 

The city employees who have rendered ten years of service will also be given certificates of recognition and a service pins as a token to symbolize their loyalty in serving the public. 

Moreover, those who have rendered 20 years in the government service will be recognized with certificates of appreciation, mugs and also a service pins while those rendered 30 years will be given a plaque of recognition, certificates and city service pin. 

“This recognition is the city’s way of giving back to your dedication in serving our people. In spite of the many trials and difficulties you encountered in your work as government employees, all of you chose to continue working here in the city thus, I lauds your remarkable efforts and I am honored to be with you on this very special occasion to celebrate your loyalty and dedication in public service.” Mayor Lim said. 




Manila Media Bureau
DECEMBER 17, 2008 


BOYSTOWN GETS DONATION FROM TAIPEI GROUP 

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim received a truckload of assorted food items and dry goods donated by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines in cooperation with Taiwan Association, Inc. 

Mayor Lim welcomed the donation and thanked the delegation headed by Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) representative Donald C. T. Lee, Taiwan Association, Inc. president Alex Ting and TECO director Joseph Chang for their generosity. 

“It is with utmost appreciation that we would like to extend to you our profound gratitude for your donation of assorted food items and dry goods to the wards of Boys Town Complex (BTC). Your donation will go a long way in keeping the joy and spirit of Christmas alive amongst the wards of Boys Town ,” Lim said. 

“Indeed, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office and Taiwan Association, Inc. have become very active partners of the City of Manila in improving the interest and welfare of our poor constituents.” 

“This donation is an expression of the strengthening friendship and relationship between our brothers in Taipei and the constituents of the City of Manila ” Lim added. 

Also present during the turn-over of the donations were Deputy Mayor and concurrent City Personnel Officer Jose L. Silva, Manila International Relations officer Baby Villegas, Manila Department of Social Welfare officer Jay de la Fuente, BTC staff and wards. 


Manila Media Bureau
DECEMBER 16, 2008 

LIM LEADS MANILANS CELEBRATE SIMBANG GABI


Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led Manilans at dawn yesterday, in hearing the first mass of the nine-day novena masses, “Simbang Gabi” held at the Permanent Housing (formerly Smokey Mountain) in Balut, Tondo.

The first Simbang Gabi novena mass celebrated by parish priest, Reverend Father Alfredo Sabado in the Risen Christ chapel heard by Mayor Lim and the city officials was also attended by approximately thousand of residents of the nearby smokey mountain and the NHA permanent housing.

The Simbang Gabi novena masses, a celebration of the true meaning and spirit of Christmas and, which signals the beginning of the Christmas season for many Filipinos, starts from December 16 to December 24. 

“Ang tunay na bumubuhay ng simbang gabi ay kayong mga naririto na masayang nagtitipon – tipon para ipagdiwang ang kaarawan ni Hesus, kaya bilang pasasalamat sa kanyang pagmamahal sa atin, ibalik natin ito sa pamamagitan ng pagtulong natin sa ating kapwa.”

The mayor said he is happy that despite all their hardships and struggles for their daily provisions, it is evident that the poor people of the permanent housing remain steadfast in their faith in God and there is joy while anticipating the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

The nine-day dawn masses is an annual tradition that Mayor Lim observes in nine different churches located in the six districts of Manila namely: the Risen Christ Chapel, Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz, Minor Basilica of St. John de Baptist, Immaculate Concepcion Church, Most Holy Trinity Church, Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish Church, Holy Family Parish Church, Loreto Church and Perpetual Help Parish Church in Punta, Sta.Ana.


Manila Media Bureau
DECEMBER 15, 2008 


LIM DISTRIBUTES PHILHEALTH CARD TO MANILA RESIDENTS


A total of 1,333 residents from the different districts of Manila were given their Phil health cards by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, with a call for them not to procrastinate having themselves checked should they feel any symptoms of illness. 

Lim, who was assisted in the distribution by social welfare officer-in-charge Jay dela Fuente and his right-hand Cely Sangil, satellite offices head Genaro Herrera, Manila Police District deputy director Chief Supt. Leo Kison, Manila City Hall Police Office head Senior Superintendent Alex Gutierrez and Philhealth medical specialist Cynthia Camacho, explained to the recipients the importance of bearing Phil health cards since it entitles the holders to a variety of medical benefits. 

The mayor also invited the residents to avail of the free immunization as well as free operations of cataract and goiter being offered in the city-run hospitals. 

Too, Lim urged them to immediately seek medical attention at the slightest hint of any illness, stressing that `an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ 

He made special mention that women should examine their own breasts regularly for any unusual lump, since breast cancer is a leading cause of death among them. 

In his short speech, Lim also clarified before the residents that while he is instrumental in the giving away of the Phil health cards, such benefit does not come solely from him. 

“Ako ba ang magbabayad niyan? Hindi po ako. Kung `yung mga ibang politico lang yan, ang sasabihin sa inyo, sila ang nagbayad pero ako, ang sasabihin ko sa inyo, hindi ako ang nagbayad kundi, yan po ang buwis na ibinabayad ninyo sa ating lungsod na ibinabalik naman namin sa inyo sa pamamagitan ng serbisyong gaya nito,” Lim told the cheering crowd, as they altogether sang a birthday song for the mayor, who will be celebrating his natal day on December 21. 

Dela Fuente said Philhealth card is only one of the component services of the `Tulong Pangkalusugan’ of the city of Manila , which includes immunization, tuberculosis control, diabetes control, maternal and child care and sanitation services. 

To date, Dela Fuente said a total of P16 million has been appropriated for the payment of insurance premiums to Phil health and the number of beneficiaries who have already received their family health cards has already reached 16,149. 

The beneficiaries include the urban poor, solo parents, side car drivers, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and students. 



Manila Media Bureau
December 15, 2008 


MANITOBA TURNS OVER EDUCATIONAL CENTER TO MANILA 

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Canadian premier Gary Doer and the people of Manitoba through Canadian Embassy senior trade commissioner Andrew Smith at the simple turn-over ceremonies and inauguration of the Manila Manitoba Educational Center held recently. 

The Mayor said: “The Manila Manitoba Educational Center donated by Premier Doer, Manitoba’s Filipino community and citizens will go a long way in strengthening the friendship and harmonious relationship between the Canadians and the Filipinos.” 

“This gesture of donating these much-needed computer sets and building will further foster our ties, admiration and high respect to the members of the Canadian Embassy and people of Manitoba, Canada” Lim added. 

The Manila Manitoba Educational Center located at the Jose Rizal Elementary School (JRES) in Tayuman, Sta. Cruz is a dream come-true for the school’s 5,280 students and 170 personnel, according to JRES principal, Dr. Estela L. Liwanag. 

The Center is divided into two large classrooms; the first room, complete with 12 sets of computers which serve as the computer room for use of grade V and VI students, and the second room which serves as the grade school journalism room. 

Mayor Lim and Canadian Premier Gary Doer both dreamt of building more learning centers to support the quest for knowledge of more Filipino students and develop a more skillful and more knowledgeable generation in the future. 

Also present during the turn-over ceremony and inaugural blessing of the Manila-Manitoba Educational Center were city officials namely: chief of staff to the mayor Ricardo de Guzman, director Gemma Cruz-Araneta, Manila Tourism & Cultural Affairs Bureau, city legal officer Renato dela Cruz, Division of City Schools superintendent Dr. Ma. Luisa S. Quinoñes, Manila Sports Council head Niño dela Cruz, city treasurer Erlinda Marteja, city engineer Armando Andres, Veterinary Inspection Board chairman Junior Co and Jose Reyes Elementary School teaching staff and students. 



Manila Media Bureau
December 14, 2008

LIM HOLDS DIALOGUE WITH TODA’s IN MANILA 


Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim welcomed officers and members of different Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) who gathered at Bulwagan Gat Antonio J. Villegas for a dialogue with him recently. 

The mayor together with his Chief of Staff Ricardo de Guzman, Manila Traffic Parking Bureau (MTPB) director - Col. Franklin Gacutan and Manila Tricycle Regulatory Office (MTRO) administrator – Atty. Ismael E. Peren tackled issues and concerns brought out during the dialogue with the TODA members. 

The main concern is the transfer to the local government units of the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) function of issuing tricycle franchises which came about a year and a half ago. 

And because TODA applications for franchises are still under process in the city’s concerned offices, TODA members are fearful that they may become easy prey of apprehensions by both the local traffic enforcers and the LTO flying squad. 

The city requires a tricycle franchise, which is an authority given to an applicant to operate his/her business of transporting people by means of tricycles and pedicabs, and the permit being issued by the MTRO which is a regulatory permit. 

Tricycle franchises are renewable every three years, while the MTRO permit is renewable every year at a fee of P600 per year for a tricycle and P425 per year for a pedicab. 

Since franchises have not been issued yet, Mayor Lim assured the TODAs that as long as they have the necessary MTRO permits, tricycles and pedicabs will still be allowed to operate in the city. 



Manila Media Bureau
DECEMBER 12, 2008


PROTEST AGAINST CHARTER CHANGE -LIM

Thousands of students, teachers and members of various private organizations yesterday gathered at the Bonifacio Shrine beside the Manila City Hall to show their protest against the proposed charter change. 

Aside from Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, those who spoke in the said rally included Senator Mar Roxas, Congressman Benjamin Asilo and Alvin Fronteras of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila’s Supreme Student Council. 

The student organizations were led by those from the PLM, the City College of Manila, Adamson University and Letran College , among others, who wore anti-chacha t-shirts and brought streamers saying `No to Chacha, No to Con-Ass, Yes to Con-Con in 2010. 

Lim, in his speech, explained the specific provisions of the Constitution and said it will be up to the people to decide whether or not they will support a charter change. 

The crowd, when asked by Lim if they wanted elections to push through in 2010, answered with a resounding `yes’. 

The mayor stressed before the huge crowds that a vote is considered as sacrosanct how important one’s vote is. 

“Sagrado ang boto ng bawat isa sa atin. Pagdating ng halalan, walang mayaman, walang mahirap, lahat tig-isang boto lang,” Lim said. 

The mayor rallied for support to the stand taken by Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and the other bishops in opposing a charter change and an extension of term of the incumbents. 

He stressed that there is no politics involved in the said rally and that its purpose was merely to open the eyes of the ordinary masses regarding the issues surrounding charter change. 



Manila Media Bureau
DECEMBER 10, 2008 

NO TO CHARTER CHANGE – LIM

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday expressed support to the stand of the Catholic Church against pushing for charter change now. According to Lim, he totally agrees with the opinion of the Church that charter change or ‘chacha’ should come into the picture not now but after the 2010 elections. 

He also sustained the stand of the Church that instead of ‘chacha’, what must be pushed is the holding of a Constitutional convention. 

Meanwhile, Lim said he will not bar anti-chacha rallies in Manila but will not also tolerate protest actions that are not covered by the necessary permits. 

He clarified that the existing policy governing street demonstrations in the city stays. 

Under the said policy, rallies on Mendiola are not allowed during weekdays, or from Mondays to Fridays, so as not to inconvenience the students that abound in the said area or disrupt the classes there. 

Lim said rallies are allowed along Mendiola on Saturdays and Sundays only and once a permit has been applied for and granted. 

The mayor said rallies are allowed any day of the week on freedom parks or the usual rally sites such as Liwasang Bonifacio and Plaza Miranda. 

“Once a permit has been applied for and all the conditions have been complied with, we grant the application,” Lim said. 



Manila Media Bureau
December 8, 2008


LIM GRANTS P10,000 BONUS TO CITY EMPLOYEES

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim gave the happiest news to the city employees during the flag raising this morning. He has ordered the release of P10,000 bonus per employee to be given on Dec. 19 or just a few days before Christmas.

This bit of news made employees attending the flag ceremony jump with joy as they least expected a windfall from the Mayor, except on seeing him confer a few minutes earlier with City Treasurer Erlinda Marteja.

Aside from the P10,000 that city employees will receive, they will also get the usual P1,000 rice allowance and the P7,500 quarterly financial assistance.

The financial assistance amounts to P2,500 per month and is released every quarter to ensure that employees have enough money to get by.

Last month, the Mayor released the 13th month pay of city employees plus the balance of P2,500 in annual cash gift that was released also last November. The first cash gift of P2,500 was released in July.



Manila Media Bureau
December 7, 2008

LIM JOINS LOPEZ IN KEEPING PASIG RIVER CLEAN 


Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim recently called on the public to emulate efforts by certain private groups to clean up the Pasig River.

This, as he lauded the group of Gina Lopez, managing director of the ABS-CBN Foundation and its environmental arm Bantay Kalikasan, for going out of its way by seeking the participation of the city government in its goal of saving the historic river. 

Lim directed department head of the Department of Public Services, Ret. Col. Carlos Baltazar, to extend whatever assistance it can to help the group of Lopez in its advocacy and in achieving its goal of beautifying the river. 

The mayor expressed belief that once fully rehabilitated the beauty that Pasig River offers will help boosting tourism in the country. 

“I am confident that the crusade to restore the old glory of Pasig River will become successful under the leadership of Ms. Gina Lopez,” Lim said. 

In her meeting with concerned department heads, Lopez, for her part, stressed that the key to the success in bringing Pasig River back to life is total support from the authorities, for which reason she expressed profuse thanks to Lim. 

Meanwhile, Col. Baltazar assured the advocacy group that his office will provide all the needed manpower for the clean-up activities aimed at ridding the river of garbage. 

During the said meeting, mayor Lim also agreed to step up the city’s ongoing information dissemination on waste management system, to which Lopez pledged support through their media outfits. 

Lim also directed Baltazar to monitor what the city’s barangays are doing to effectively implement proper waste management. 

Manila Media Bureau
December 7, 2008

LIM MAKES SURPRISE VISIT TO STA. ANA RESIDENTS 


Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim surprised Saturday the residents of Sta. Ana, Manila with a visit and a forum where he gave them a chance to air all their concerns right at the Paraiso ng Maynila sa Bagong Buhay. 

Among the concerns raised were: the need to put up a police outpost in front of La Concordia College to protect students from snatchers, which P/Supt. Bernal vowed to complete by next week. 

In response to a clamor from the audience, the Mayor said he will be giving free aerobic shirts before Christmas to the ladies and senior citizens participating in the “Ehersisyo sa 5 distrito,” a project of Councilor Siscar that started last April 2008 and is being held every Saturday at said complex. 

He also ordered P/Supt. Bernal to strictly enforce the truck ban in the whole stretch of Apacible in District 5, which cause monstrous traffic jams especially during school days. 

The Mayor reiterated the privilege discounts of all senior citizens that will apply from 60 years old or more. 

After being told of the leaks and defects in the complex, the Mayor immediately called City Engineer Armando Andres to ask him to have these facilities repaired at once and de-clog the drainage along Nickle Street . 

He vowed to give free legal assistance to all victims of criminality in the city. 

It delighted him when someone from the audience said "we will support your re-election in 2010." 

"Ang gusto ko lang ay makatulong. Iyon ay kung gusto pa ako ng mga tao na maglingkod sa kanila,” the Mayor said. (All I want is to help but that is if people still want me to serve them). 



Manila Media Bureau
December 6, 2008

SPECIAL TASK FORCE ON DRUG PREVENTION FORMED


A federation of 61 Non-Government Organizations nationwide gave its full cooperation and support to the implementation of the Article IV, Section 41-44 (paragraph b - which states that a Special Unit or Task Force from existing school personnel, student leaders and PTA officials shall be organized in every school and trained to assist in the apprehension or arrest of violators of Article II of the Act within their areas of Jurisdiction), the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which states participation of the family, students, teachers and school authorities in the enforcement of the said act. 

Basically, the task force function is to participate actively in drug abuse prevention programs and training activities initiated by government organizations (GOs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) in the community and as part of their services/co-curricular activities. 

Mayor Lim said: “I laud the Special Task Force Group for being the government’s partner in ensuring that the students’ and school authorities’ are protected from the drug menace; and, for your goal to help our institutions remain drug-free”. 

700 members of the NGO’s inducted by the mayor, solemnly pledged that they will fruitfully discharge to the best of their abilities, their duties being supporters and defenders of the city government of Manila, obey the laws, legal orders, and decrees promulgated by the duly constituted authorities of the Republic Act of the Philippines. 

Retired Judge Doroteo Cañeba, Consultant to the City Mayor of Manila stated: “the Special Unit or Task Force was put up in all schools to assist in the detection and apprehension of violators of the Dangerous Act of 2002 within the school premises”. 

Moreover, Dr. Ma. Luisa Quinoñes, School Division Superintendent said: “the creation of the Special Unit or Task Force was in accordance with the provisions of the Dangerous Drugs Act or Republic Act 9165”. 

The Balikatan People’s Alliance chairman Louie B. Balbago pointed out that this provision of Law should be implemented in schools and require cooperation from CHED, DepEd and Tesda; and must be supported by our local government units, dangerous drugs board of the Philippine and Drug Enforcement Agency. 

Mayor Lim thanked the school principals, local government leaders, and barangay officials for their presence and encouraged them to continue their solidarity in the campaign against illegal drugs to bring about a Drug-Free Manila.

Manila Media Bureau
December 5, 2008

CITY HALL GIVES FREE SHOWING OF PACQUIAO-DELA JOYA FIGHT


The much-awaited Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and Mexican fighter Oscar dela Joya will be shown live via telecast and free of charge in all of Manilaʼs sports complexes this Sunday, December 7, 2008. 

This, after Mayor Alfredo S. Lim ordered secretary to the mayor Atty. Rafaelito Garayblas to coordinate with chief of staff Ricardo de Guzman, city administrator Jesus Mari Marzan, city engineer Armand Andres and tourism director Ofelia Co for the necessary preparations. 

Lim said those who have tickets that were previously distributed by the city government will have priority admission into the complexes. 

For their part, De Guzman and Marzan assured that marshals will be assigned to man the entry of the sports complexes to ensure that there will be no overcrowding, shoving or chaos. 

Co, on the other hand, said that while priority in terms of accommodation will be given the ticket holders, those without tickets may be accommodated later should there be seats available.

She said the tickets for the purpose were given away by the mayor for free and were equally distributed among the residents of the cityʼs six districts. 

Lim has directed Garayblas to personally coordinate with Solar Sports Entertainment so that the bout may be shown at no cost to the city. 

Andres, meanwhile, was tasked with coordinating the use of the Ninoy Aquino stadium for the same purpose, since it can accommodate a larger number of people at approximately 5,000. No tickets will be needed to be presented as the accommodation will be on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The free showing of the said bout will be held at the Tondo Sports Complex (District 1), Patricia Sports Complex (District 2), Rasac covered court (District 3), Dapitan Sports Complex (District 4), San Andres Sports Complex (District 5) and the Teresa covered court (Sarmiento playground) at District 6. 

All in all, Andres said the total number of people that will be able to watch the fight live and for free will reach over 20,000 and the sites will be ready to admit ticket holders as early as 8 a.m. 

De Guzman said the mayor made everything necessary to enable the city government to feature the match free of charge to the cityʼs poor residents who cannot afford the expensive tickets being sold so they could watch the event live, as it happens in Las Vegas. 

Manila Media Bureau
December 5, 2008

LIM GIVES BARANGAY CHAIRMEN SPECIAL ROOM AT OSPITAL NG MAYNILA


Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim announced this morning that barangay chairmen and their immediate relatives of Manila will have a special room at the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center (OMMC) as part of their privilege.

Lim made the announcement during the People’s Day Forum at Bulwagang Villegas where a number of barangay chairmen aired their complaints about not being properly accommodated in the hospital despite the medical and hospital privileges promised them by the city government.

OMMC Director Dr. Fidel Chua said the privileges to barangay officials are limited only to them and their immediate family members and not to their next of kin.

Chua said that the Philhealth room available in the hospital could only be used by members of the government’s medical insurance institution.

Known as the chairman's room, the special room for barangay officials could only be assigned after the renovation of the OMMC to be completed by 2009, Chua said.

The Mayor said that pending its completion, he will make available the Mayor's suite near the hospital's infirmary for the barangay officials.

“Iyong kuwarto ko na lang muna ang gamitin ninyo na walang bayad at kahit na hindi kayo mga Philhealth member ay puwede kayong gumamit doon na may libre ding mga gamot para sa inyo at inyong mga pasyente,” the Mayor stressed.


Manila Media Bureau
December 5, 2008

CITY OF MANILA ALL LIT UP FOR CHRISTMAS


Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim recently led city officials and employees in the ceremonial lighting of Nagtahan Bridge at 5:50 PM followed by the lighting of the perimeter of Hospicio de San Jose at 6:00 PM at the Ayala Bridge.

Lim said that the city government has embarked in the lighting of the city’s major thoroughfares including all bridges to illuminate the capital city and make for a festive Christmas season. 

The mayor also called on the city residents to put up Christmas parols in their homes which symbolizes the true spirit of Christmas that lives on amongst their families.

“Ang pakiusap ko lang sa ating mga kababayan ay maglagay din kayo ng mga parol sa inyong mga tahanan, kahit maliit lang, at kahit pa walang ilaw, bilang pag-alala sa darating na kapaskuhan, sa pagsilang ng mahal na poong Hesukristo.”

“Sa pamamagitan nito ay lagi nating maaalala ang tunay na kahulugan ng pasko - pagmamahalan, pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan.”

“Though sometimes we find difficulties because of the global economic crisis, we do hope that the joy that the Christmas season brings shall always reign. And as they say, peace to everyone and let the essence of goodwill prevail” said Lim. 

In a related development, Mayor Lim thanked U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney during the ceremonial switching of Christmas lights at the US Embassy recently for decorating the embassy walls with Christmas “parols;” and for sprucing up and lighting the trees within the vicinity of the embassy along Roxas Boulevard which, according to the Mayor, added luster to the celebration of Christmas in the City of Manila.


Manila Media Bureau
December 4, 2008

LIM CHARGES 3 CITY MARKET EMPLOYEES OF GRAVE DISHONESTY 


Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim ordered the filing of charges of grave dishonesty against three City employees assigned at the Wagas, Asuncion and Padre Rada Markets in Tondo who collected from stallholders for their Mayor’s permits and registration papers totaling P100,000 but did not remit said amount to the City Treasurer’s Office.

The three City Market employees--- Eugenio Guerrero, Presisima Gonzales and Edgar Suarez—were subject of a complaint filed by stallholders Wilfredo Villalobos, Rosario Alcaras, Ramon San Agustin, Maria Oreta and others before Manila Barangay Bureau Director Roland Lim earlier.

Gonzales asked the vendors to pay for their Mayor’s and Business permits for January to March 2008. She said she remitted the collection, amounting to P100,000 to Suarez who, however, did not remit the collection to the City treasurer.

During the investigation conducted by Director Lim, Gonzales admitted to having collected from the vendors after clearing with Guerrero, who told her “bahala ka na. Wag mo lang pipilitin silang magbayad,” in effect granting permission for such collection, Director Lim said.

Guerrero in a memorandum to his superior, Efleda Castro, denied his involvement in the alleged illegal collection. He also stated he did not authorize Gonzales to collect for the permits of the vendors.

City Legal Officer, Atty. Renato de la Cruz was asked by the Mayor to investigate the issue and give his recommendations in five days. At the City Legal Office, Gonzales admitted having collected and remitting this amount to Suarez. Guerrero admitted having said “bahala ka na, wag mo lang silang pipilitin.”

“Suarez did not submit any motion to dismiss or any bill of particulars and opted to be silent in both investigations,” de la Cruz said.


Manila Media Bureau
December 4, 2008

LIM OKAYS RE-ENTRY OF A DISMISSED ASSESSMENT OFFICER


Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim made Edwin Mel V. Garingalao, local assessment operations officer II at the City Assessment office, very happy this Christmas by approving his re-entry into City Hall following the ruling of the Civil Service Commission favoring Garingalao.

Garingalao was dismissed by the Lim’s predecessor in December 2004 but prior to that was placed on 60-day suspension (October to November 2004) “for his alleged dishonesty, grave misconduct and condition prejudicial to the best interest of the service.” 

But the Civil Service in its ruling last Oct. 28, 2008 exonerated Garingalao from such charges and ordered the city to pay him back wages.

City Legal Officer, Atty. Renato de la Cruz, on instruction of Mayor Lim, coordinated with City Assessor Lourdes Laderas to determine the amount of back wages due to Garingalao from October 2004 to December 2007 and his current year wages. The back wages total P759,765 and the current wages P139,756.02 net of PagIbig, Philhealth and GSIS.

“Since we did not have any appropriation for Garingalao’s back wages, we negotiated with him to waive this in exchange for his immediate re-entry and payment of current wages, to which he agreed,” the Mayor said.

The settlement is advantageous both to the city and to Garingalao while upholding the ruling of the Civil Service Commission, the Mayor stressed.


Manila Media Bureau
December 4, 2008

MANILA CREATES CITY CITIZENS CHARTER AGAINST RED TAPE



Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim announced the creation of the committee on City Citizen's Charter to undertake the re-engineering of the transaction systems and procedures that will reduce, if not entirely remove, red tape in the city.

The committee will begin work in January and will be chaired by Alma Solancho, vice president for administration and finance of the City College of Manila with all the department heads and chiefs of offices as members.

The creation of the committee is line with Republic Act 9485, otherwise known as the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007.

City College of Manila vice president for administration and finance Alma Solancho was appointed chairman of the committee with all department heads and chief of offices and administrative officers and personnel as members.

Lim tasked the City Citizen’s Charter committee to set up standards for all departments and offices in the City Hall and also to monitor all activities regarding the implementation of said standards and their effectiveness in the Mayor's campaign against red tape.

Reproduction of the final Citizen Charter will be on December 8 to 10 to be submitted to the Civil Service Commission. Display of the approved charter for Manila is scheduled on Dec. 15, Lim said.



Manila Media Bureau
December 4, 2008

LIM LIGHTS UP NAGTAHAN BRIDGE


Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim led Wednesday night city officials and community leaders in the ceremonial lighting of Nagtahan Bridge and the perimeter of Hospicio de San Jose leading to Ayala Bridge.

Lim switched on the newly-installed lamp posts on the bridge that connects Pandacan to Sta. Mesa as part of his efforts to beautify the city. 

The Mayor has repeatedly challenged city and barangay officials and Manila residents to help in beautifying the city, whichever way they can, while stressing the need to also initiate efforts to clean their immediate environment.

Mayor Lim has been lighting up major thoroughfares, bridges, plazas and public parks to help in curbing criminality in the city since criminals dislike brightly-lit areas.

Prior to Nagtahan Bridge, Lim switched on newly-installed lights on Jones Bridge, Ayala Bridge and Del Pan Bridge; the Bay Walk area and several public plazas that include Plaza Lawton near City Hall, Plaza Morga in Tondo, Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Plaza Raja Sulayman in Malate and Plaza Asul and Plaza Dilao in Pandacan..



Manila Media Bureau
December 4, 2008

“BE TRANSPARENT” – LIM TO CITY OFFICIALS


Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim recently urged barangay officials in the city to be transparent in their dealings and help the city government in its campaign against cheats and liars. 

During the “Ulat sa Lungsod ng mga Nahalal na Pamunuan ng Maynila” sponsored by the Pastoral Council and held at the Manila Cathedral School in Tayuman Tondo, Manila, Lim also called on the public to report to his office any incident where his existing policy of transparency was not followed to the letter. 

“Inatasan ko ang mga opisyal ng lungsod na gawing bukas sa publiko ang lahat ng dokumento and I am encouraging our barangay chairmen in Manila to do the same”, Lim said. 

He added: “Kinakailangang magsama-sama tayo at manindigan kung ano ang tama sapagkat tama lamang na ilahad natin sa publiko anuman ang dokumento na para sa kaalaman kanila. Dahil tama rin ang pagbabayad nila ng buwis sa lungsod, nararapat lamang na suklian natin ito ng tama at tutoong serbisyo.” 

Lim assured the public that he has standing orders to all the department heads as well as the chiefs of bureaus and offices to be transparent at all times, adding that he has warned those who do not want to toe the line that they are free to leave. 

Along this line, the mayor said he is also of the belief that lying and stealing go together. 

“Kung ikaw ay sinungaling, hindi mo magagawang manungkulan nang tapat at siguradong ang pagsisinungaling ay walang ibang patutunguhan kundi ang pagnanakaw lamang,” he stressed. 

Thus, Lim exhorted all Manila residents and barangay officials to help him start a movement in the city Manila which would show to the whole world that we condemn cheats and liars that go with them. 

Manila Media Bureau
December 3, 2008

INTENSIFY THE FOOT PATROL – LIM 


Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning reiterated the significance of visible police buddies in the streets of Manila , or the so called “foot patrol”, during the courtesy call of the new PNP-National Capital Region Police Officer (NCRPO) Director Leopoldo N. Bataoil. 

Mayor Lim cited the presence of “foot patrols” in other neighboring countries which is proven to be effective in crime prevention. 

“It’s time to put these men on the ground, so that they will regain the trust of our people, paano sila makakakuha ng impormasyon sa mga tao sa paligid nila kung hindi sila kilala at nakikitang nagpapatrulya sa lansangan” Mayor Lim said. 

The Mayor is confident that the new NCRPO Chief can help a lot in the implementation of these beat patrols, since he used to be a former Director of the Police Community Relations of PNP. 

Bataoil commended Manila Police District (MPD) Director Roberto Rosales for the efficient implementation of LIM Discipline Zones, especially in Divisoria. 

“Kung effective pala sa Divisoria yung ganitong implementasyon, ibig sabihin pwede din pala natin itong gawin sa ibang lugar ng kamaynilaan.” Bataoil said. 

Lim and Bataoil said that they will do their best to flush out the few erring police officers and officials, and entrap impostors posing as members of the SWAT team and police escorts, who are allegedly involved in robberies and extortions. 

“Kailangang mawala itong mga iilang gumagawa ng kalokohan sa hanay ng kapulisan, dahil nadadamay iyong mga matitino at ‘yung tapat na pulis.” Lim added. 

Bataoil officially replaced Director Jefferson Soriano who was promoted to PNP chief of staff recently. 

Present during the courtesy call of Bataoil at the Bulwagang Villegas were Rosales and Police Senior Superintendent Alejandro Gutierrez, Chief of District Special Project Unit of the Manila City Hall .