Lim tasked Manila Police District chief Gen. Roberto Rosales to “continue without let-up” the clearing of C.M. Recto Avenue or the University Belt of the racketeers who prey on undergraduates, even applicants for foreign visas and jobs abroad for badly needed certificates.

“Madami nang naloloko ang mga ito. Pamemeke ang gawa nila. Hindi alam ng mga nabibiktima nito eh kapag nabuko na peke yung records nila, that can be a ground for their expulsion,” the mayor said.

Lim identified some of these diploma mills as the Philippine Harvardian and Cosmopolitan College, both found to be operating on Recto. He warned that he would not renew the application for business permit of any establishment harboring or sharing business space with these “fakers.”

Lim said anyone caught engaging in this illegal production of fake diplomas and certificates will be charged with falsification of public documents.

The mayor also warned students that getting fake documents just for them to be able to graduate and find a job is a form of dishonesty.

“How can people trust you when from the start, fake ang mga representations ninyo? Study hard and be proud of your accomplishments no matter how insignificant you may think they are. In the end, intact ang integrity ninyo dahil hindi kayo nanloko,” he emphasized.

The crackdown on the diploma mill was ordered following concerns raised by several foreign embassies on fake bank certificates and school records submitted by visa applicants.

San Francisco Police Beefs Up MPD's Arsenal
January 25, 2008
Media Bureau

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday welcomed the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) offer to train Manila cops and its donation of supplies and equipment that will greatly help the Manila Police district (MPD) in its crime prevention efforts.

The MPD, through District Director Roberto Rosales, received body vests, gun holsters, helmets, handcuffs, and other police paraphernalia to beef up the present equipment being used by the force.

Lim thanked members of the SFPD, California, USA for visiting Manila and spending their own money to help train their counterparts in the MPD.

"My life has always been a battle, and being a police officer, we are being paid to die for the service tot he country and to defend the public", Lim said.

"Being a police police officer, we gain satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment that we have helped and vindicated victims of crimes. A true-blooded police officer enters the service not for monetary gains but for service tot he public. Certainly, we are the defenders and protectors of the citizenry." Lim added.

Lim reiterated to the SFPD delegation to always remember to keep their heads high because of the job protecting and keeping the safety of the community is one of the noblest profession.

Lieutenant Eric Quema, a Filipino-American police officer let the SFPD team. The delegation is in Manila for the regular conduct of the SFPD, Philippine Exchange Training (PET) Program with the Philippine National Police.


Lim Orders Mandatory Inspection of Oil Tankers
January 24, 2008
Media Bureau

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday ordered the mandatory inspection of oil tankers following the explosion of a tanker carrying inflammable fuel on top of Nagtahan bridge on Wednesday.

Lim also directed the Manila Police District to thoroughly investigate the explosion, particularly the angle that it was a deliberate attempt to embarrass the government. "They have to thoroughly inspect these tankers for safety and worthiness. This is a disaster that we do not want to happen again," he stressed.

The Mayor urged oil companies to put to task any safety inspector who fails to check whether any tanker is safe to carry fuels. He said any tanker coming out of the oil depot should now be checked on the spot for leaks. "It is incumbent upon all of us to ensure the safety of our people. There should be no room for neglect," Lim said.


Manila Proposes Animal Swap With Other Zoos
January 22, 2008
Media Bureau

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim proposed yesterday an "animal swap" with other zoos in the country, saying that the city government has a surplus of crocodiles that he can exchange for elephants, zebras, and giraffe.

Lim said city veterinarians are now coordinating with other zoo official while diplomatic correspondences are being sent to Thailand and India for the possibility of Manila sourcing its elephants from the two countries.

Palawan Mayor Edward Hagedorn has promised to give animal donations to add tot he present fleet of animals at the Manila zoological and Botanical Garden.

Public Recreations Bureau Chief Engineer Deogracias G. Manimbo said the Manila Zoo recently received donations of two tigers from Camp Farms in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija through Ryan Joson and Vince Cuevas while one crocodile from the Cagayan Island was donated by Cip Lacson.

"The Manila Zoo continues to expand its collection of animals both locally and from other parts of the world. We are willing to swap animals with other zoos," Mayor Lim said.

At present, the Manila Zoo has more than 40 crocodiles, an aging elephant that needs to be retired, a giraffe that recently died and host of other animals, both wild and domestic, as well as an aviary.

Lim said he was willing to release 20 crocodiles to other zoos in exchange for animals that the Manila Zoo doesn't have at the moment.

Lim directs city gov’t offices to lure teeners to join revive Pasig River project
01/16/2008

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim yesterday directed the concerned city government offices to embark on programs that will stir the teenagers into becoming personally involved in reviving the Pasig River.

During his speech at the launch of the Philippine Marathon for the Pasig River attended by former First Lady Amelita Ramos, former chairman of the Clean and Green Foundation Inc. (CGFI), and new marathon chairman Sen. Pia Cayetano, the mayor said cleaning up the Pasig River is an endeavor that has to be supported by everybody.

The local government of Manila, Lim said, has done its part by removing all the squatter families who have sat by the seawall for years as well as the establishments which all played a huge role in contaminating the river by making it a dumping ground of their wastes.

Barangay bureau chief Roland Lim and youth bureau head Niño de la Cruz and the division of city schools were all ordered by Lim to come up with programs that will create awareness among the city young citizens on the importance of cleaning the environment and the dangers posed by dirty rivers.

Lim cited the case of a river in Shanghai which has become the dirtiest in China and which, by sheer political will, has now become a source of pride for the country since it is now home to a variety of fishes and a place where the public can swim.

Lim said the city under his helm will do its share to help revive Pasig River by way of information dissemination, stressing as exemplified in other countries like China, it can be done.

Presently, the mayor said, it is important to create enthusiasm in helping the clean and green program and arousing awareness in everyone’s mind that he needs to do his share since the project as huge as this needs the involvement and support of everyone.

Mrs. Ramos, for her part, lauded Lim for his continued support which dates back to the first time that he was mayor of Manila.

She said during Lim’s first term as city mayor, he cleared the Jones Bridge of squatters who had been dumping their wastes into the Pasig River and followed up his action by keeping the squatters off the area.

The marathon, which will be held on Feb. 24 and which will begin from Marikina and end at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, is an advocacy project by the CGFI for the Pasig River Rehabilitation Program.

Allan A. Bergonia

Lim exhorts Manila Police at anniversary rites 
By ROY C. MABASA and RIZAL S. OBANIL
Courtesy of Manila Bulletin

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim yesterday joined President Arroyo in commemorating the 107th anniversary of "Manila’s Finest" – the Manila Police District – even as he stressed the fundamental tenet of "public service being a public trust" in his advocacy for good governance.

Lim was awarded a plaque of appreciation by Manila Police chief district director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales for the mayor’s invaluable support to the police force since his return as the city’s chief executive.

Aside from the president, other guests included Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director-General Avelino Razon Jr., National Bureau of Investigation Director Nestor Mantaring, and the city’s business leaders.

In last Monday’s flag-raising ceremony, Lim gave recognition to the police and the military as the only professionals who offer their lives in doing their duty as service to the country.

He enjoined government officials and employees to honor and respect the sacrifices of men and women in uniform as protectors and guardians of the people.

The anniversary program was highlighted by the handing of special awards by Lim.

Awards were given to US Embassy regional security officer Jake Wohlman, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) chairman and CEO Efraim Genuino, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. president John Tan, Filipino-Chinese Business Club, Inc. president George Lee, Filipino-Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Inc. president Florante Dy, and Barangay 831 Zone 90 chairperson Josephine Morales, as "Friends of MPD."

The MPD also gave individual awards to Supt. Ernesto Fojas Jr. as "staff officer of the year," while Supt. Romulo Sapitula, Chief Inspector Ramon Pranada, Senior Insp. Claire Cudal, PO2 Alma Dipasupil, SPO2 Eduardo Pama, PO3 Rowell Rolbes and SPO2 Anacleto de Jesus were cited as "Executive Senior Police Officers." Clara Susan Castillo was named "Non-Uniformed Personnel of the Year."

The leadership award was given to Senior Insp. Romana Geronimo while the Central Market, Sta Cruz Police Station was adjudged "Best Police Station." The Delpan Community Precint was named the best PCP.

The District Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Group (DAID-SOG) bagged the award for Best Support Unit while the Pre-Charge Investigation Support Unit was honored in the Administrative Category.

The "Desk of the Year" award was given to the MPD-Station 4 Women and Children’s Protection Desk.

The MPD was founded on Jan. 9, 1901 through Act. No. 70 by the Philippine Commission and was then known as the Metropolitan Police Force of Manila (MPFM) manned by 357 officers.

On July 3, 1901, it was included as one of the departments of the City of Manila and was renamed MPD. 

Earlier, Lim led the commemorative rites marking the 111th anniversary of the martyrdom of Domingo Franco whom he cited as one of the country’s heroes who had stirred the spirit of patriotism and nationalism among Filipinos that led to the attainment of independence.

Remembered as one of the Los Trece Martires de Bagumbayan, Franco was one of the organizers of Masonic societies in the Philippines, with "liberty, equality and fraternity" as their rallying cry.

It was to Franco also that national hero Dr. Jose Rizal entrusted documents containing the La Liga Filipina for safekeeping and dissemination in Manila.

Franco lived up to his assumed name in the Liga as Felipe Leal, remaining loyal to his libertarian ideals until his death by firing squad at Bagumbayan Field.

"Let us not waste the martyrdom of Domingo Franco and our other heroes. Let us repay their sacrifices by becoming as law-abiding citizens," Lim stressed.

In marking Franco’s martyrdom, the mayor was joined by National Historical Institute director Ludovico Badoy, Barangay 64 chairman Cheryl Borromeo, and Franco’s great granddaughters Annie Lopez and Suzie Laurel Delgado and great grandson Cocoy Laurel.



All roads lead to Quiapo’s Black Nazarene today

Courtesy of Manila Bulletin
Leslie Ann G. Aquino 
Christina Hermoso

The Catholic Church celebrates today the 401st Feast of the Black Nazarene or Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno of Quiapo in Manila as thousands of devotees from various parts of the country prepare to join the traditional long procession this afternoon, marking one of the country’s most spectacular religious festivals.

Hourly masses from 4 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. will be held at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene also known as the St. John the Baptist Church or Quiapo Church.

Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales will celebrate the High Mass at 6 a.m.

The much-anticipated procession will be held after the 12:15 p.m. mass presided by Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo.

During the procession devotees carrying replicas of the highly revered image, and chanting "Viva Senor!" will try to get near and touch the ropes, believed to have miraculous and healing powers, attached to the gilded carriage of the image of the Black Nazarene.

A procession of the replicas of the Black Nazarene was held earlier last Jan. 7 while the "Pahalik sa Nazareno" will be conducted until tomorrow, Jan. 10, from 12 p.m. to 12 midnight at the Quiapo Church.

Many devotees will follow today’s procession barefoot as a sign of humility or in fulfillment of a vow, known as the "panata," or to request for a particular intention. Many will throw towels bearing the image of the Black Nazarene to the men carrying the statue who in turn will throw the towels back to the crowd after wiping them on the image.

The procession route will start from Plaza Miranda to Villalobos, will turn right on Palanca, and P. Gomez, right on Paterno, right on Quezon Boulevard, left on Globo de Oro, left on Gunao, right on Arlegui, right on Fraternal, left on Vergara, left on Duque de Alba, left on Castillejos, left on Fornecio, right on Arlegui, left on Nepomuceno, left on Aguila, right on Carcer, right on Hidalgo, left on Barbosa, right on Globo de Oro, right on Palanca, right on Villalobos before heading back to the church.

Msgr. Clemente Ignacio, rector of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, encouraged the faithful "to observe the occasion solemnly, and to pray with great trust and devotion."

"Filipino Catholics believe that through their faith in Jesus Christ, there will be peace and harmony among families, blessings of long life, and good health among people, deliverance from all calamities and disasters, and prosperity, joy and love among nations," Ignacio said.

He urged devotees to "confess, pray, deepen your relationship with God before attending the feast"

"Evil is lurking so much in the world and we hope from the heart of Jesus that this will lead to change that will bring forth hope to our country," he said.

With the expected number of devotees, church officials said they have coordinated with the authorities to prevent accidents.

During the thanksgiving procession of the Black Nazarene last Jan. 1, six devotees were injured while pulling the carriage bearing the life-size image of the Nazareno. Their bare feet got run over by the wheels of the carriage.

"We are hoping for zerocasualty. Let us do our best so nobody will die or get hurt in the procession," Ignacio said.

The life-sized wooden statue of Jesus was brought to Manila by a group of Augustinian Recollect friars from Mexico on May 31, 1606. First enshrined at the first Recollect Church in Bagumbayan (now part of Rizal Park), the image was transferred to a bigger Recollect Church in Intramuros in 1608.

In 1787, then Archbishop of Manila Basilio Sancho de Santas Junta y Rufina ordered the transfer of the Black Nazarene to the Quiapo Church where it has survived fires that destroyed the church in 1791 and 1929, strong earthquakes in 1645 and 1863, and the bombing of Manila in 1945 during World War II.

The Recollect Fathers worked for the spread of devotion to the Black Nazarene all over the country, establishing the Confradia de Jesus Nazareno in 1621, and which was approved by Pope Innocent X in 1650.

During the 19th century, Pope Pius VII granted indulgence to those who prayed before the image of the Black Nazarene.