The City Of Manila Under Alfredo Lim’s Administration Involved In Anomalous Transaction

A two-page notice of disallowance against some of the government officials in the city Manila was released by the Commission on Audit last October 29, 2009. The Commission on Audit filed the said notice when they found out that there were deficiencies on the voucher presented by the officials, which concerned the payments for the alleged contracted services of 21 consultants. Domingo C. Bocalan Jr., State Auditor IV, who did the auditing of the said vouchers claimed that the 21 names of the consultants included in the payroll submitted for auditing were unreal, and that the contracted services did not took place. The illegal transaction was said to have cost the city the amount of P5,058,000.00.

The said notice of disallowance was released after Mayor Alfredo Lim stated in his affidavit, the he never authorized nor appointed Nelson Del Mundo and the rest of the supposed 21 consultants to work in his office. As a follow up, Lim also noted that he did not sign any contract for the said services nor did he allowed the fictitious consultants to receive any consultation fees or compensations. The Mayor’s statement was backed up by three officers assigned at the city Mayor’s office. Ms. Rowena Senatin, Ms. Helen Natividad and Mr. Arturo Mijares were the said officials who attested Lim’s words through their affidavits.

In their affidavit, the three staff pointed out that the names of the 21 consultants in the payrolls submitted to them were not appointed by the mayor to work in his office. Senatin, Natividad and Mijares confirmed that the name Nelson Del Mundo as well as the other alleged consultants was fictitious. Such government anomaly is an indication of the existence of illegal transactions taking place in the local government of Manila. Likewise, this transaction was not necessarily carried out to help the city but a mere justification for the involved personnel to acquire personal gains.

The notice given by the Commission on Audit named 11 officials from the accounting and property division of Manila. The named officials were Pacifico Lagramada, Yolanda Ignacio, Marleen Young, Gloria Quilantang, Vicky Valientes, Erlinda Marteja, Philip Cabalun II, Cherry Chan, Alicia Moscaya, Fritz Noel Borres, and Rodelio Leyson. The said officials consented the release of P5,058,000.00 as a payment to the non-existent consultants for their supposed services to the mayor’s office. Their names were confirmed by the affidavit presented by Mayor Alfredo Lim and three of his staff.

In the notice submitted by Bocolan, he recommended that the involved personnel from the accounting and property division of the city of Manila to refund the P5,058,000.00. The given amount was the supposed payment for the 21 consultants, who purportedly worked for the office of the mayor. The notice given by the Commission of Audit was final, giving the involved officials six months to settle the issue. Accordingly, if the said individuals were not able to comply, the commission would take the necessary steps in order to enforce the notice.

Although Mayor Alfredo Lim, in his affidavit, served as the way to expose this particular corrupt activity, it appears that something in this picture does not coordinate. The only question that needs to be answered in this incident is how did the transaction came to fruition if Mayor Lim did not approve it in the first place? Although the involved people in this anomalous transaction were already held liable for their corrupt practice, answering this question would somehow shed light to the blind side of the story. Perhaps this question is needed to be answered for the public’s understanding.

Some officials from the city of Manila were involved in yet another government anomaly. The Commission on Audit filed a notice of disallowance against 11 Manila officials after deficiencies on the vouchers were found during the auditing process. The voucher contained the alleged consultancy fees of 21 fictitious consultants, who purportedly contracted to work for the office of the Mayor. Mayor Alfredo Lim claimed that he did not sign any contract concerning the appointment of the said consultants.

Mayor Alfredo Lim And Colleagues Involved In Illegal Bidding

Graft charges were filed against Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and some members of the city’s Bid and Awards Committee last April 8, 2010. The complainant, Atty. Reynaldo Bagatsing filed the complaint-affidavit in response to the allegedly illegal public bidding for rehabilitation of 15 schools within the city. Bagatsing said that the bidding have benefited the involved officials. Bagatsing also believed that the bidding was especially disadvantageous to the local government of Manila as the participants in the illegal transaction manifested partiality, giving unwarranted benefits to the winning bidders.

Bagatsing immediately filed his complaint after obtaining an online copy of the bid notice abstract that came from the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement (PhilGEPS), which specifically concerns the rehabilitation of 15 Manila elementary schools. According to Bagatsing, the invitation to bid was posted on the 18th day of February 2010, but the same post also indicated that interested bidders are given only 8 or 2 days (February 10-16, 2010) from the specified date of notice to submit their letter of intent (LOI) to bid, which was already impossible as the indicated dates have already elapsed. The supposed notice for open bidding was in fact a front as another accompanying document request list clearly identified that three entities were already the preferred bidders. The said entities include ALE Builders Construction and Development Corporation, Diamond Head Construction/Supplies, and VITES Construction and Development Corporation.

Atty. Reynaldo Bagatsing, former legal counsel of Lim, emphasized that the bidding was done in due haste and identified it as a bidding violation. The swift process of the public building is said to be a violation against the Republic Act NO. 9184 (R.A. 9148) or Government Procurement Reform Act. In accordance to the proofs presented by the complainant, it was apparent that the involved parties were rushing to implement the bidding, which can be seen from the overlapping dates. This is remotely related to the implementing rules stipulated by R.A. 9148, which stipulates that the advertising and posting of invitations to bid should be twice in a period of 14 calendar days for newspaper ads, while continuous advertisement with a maximum coverage of 14 calendar days for website posting; the issuance of documents for bidding must be carried out within 30 calendar days from the last day of the advertisement posting, while the opening of bids depends upon the amount of the contract but must not be less than 15 calendar days for contracts of up to P25 million.

Seven other Manila officials were pointed out to have played major roles in carrying out the scheme; most of whom are members of the Bids and Awards Committee. They are named Atty. Rafaelito Garayblas, Atty. Renato Dela Cruz, Vicky Valientes, Leanie S. Sanding, Ma. Lourdes Manlulu, Alicia T. Moscaya and Thelma Perez. Because the Bids and Awards Committee knowingly continued the scheme despite it being illegal, they are held liable for violating Republic Act No. 3019 (R.A. 3019) or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices and Republic Act No. 6713 (R.A. 6713) commonly referred to as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Mayor Alfredo Lim, who consented to the act, also violated the aforementioned laws.

The city of Manila is set to lose P23,550,000.00, associated with this unscrupulous activity. Bagatsing also stressed that involvement of the city in this form of transaction ousted it with the chance to save funds. The plaintiff called for the attention of the Ombudsman to properly address the issue at hand. As such, the justice due to the residents of Manila would be granted to them.

All the evidences presented by Bagatsing clearly manifest how public projects like this could become a breeding ground for illegal activities. While various laws may be present in order to eliminate these illegal acts, the number of people who value their personal interest more than that of the public’s interest are still growing in numbers each day. As such, illegal activities within the government turns into an issue that is too hard to address. In the long run, if this issue is left unattended, the political career of Mayor Alfredo Lim could be jeopardized.

Mayor Alfredo Lim, along with some of his colleagues in the Bid and Awards committee were charged with graft and corruption lawsuits following the anomalous bidding for the rehabilitation of 15 classrooms in the city of Manila. Atty. Reynaldo Bagatsing filed the charges, claiming that the transaction was a bidding violation, set to cost Manila P23,550,000.00. The charges against the officials were filed on April 8, 2010. Bagatsing requested the Ombudsman to take immediate action on the said complaint.

Mayor Alfredo Lim And Colleagues Charged With Graft and Corruption

Mayor Alfredo Lim is once again placed under public scrutiny after graft charges were filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman last April 8, 2010. Lim allegedly conspired with other Manila officials to a non-existent affair and falsified receipts, which is said to have cost the city of Manila P221, 250.00. The graft charges against Lim and his colleagues were filed by the Mayor’s former legal adviser, Reynaldo L. Bagatsing. In his sworn affidavit, Bagatsing requested for the Ombudsman to place the officials under preventive suspension.

Seven officials of the city of Manila were also included in Bagatsing’s testimony for their role in the anomaly. The seven officials include Atty. Rafaelito M. Garayblas, Atty. Analyn T. Marcelo-Buan, Maria Lourdes R. Malulu, Cherry Chao, Cecilia V. Sican, Leanie S. Sanding, and Vicky R. Valientes. Accordingly, in his sworn statement, Bagatsing pointed out that Lim and the said officials’ falsified the receipts issued by Angel’s Burger House. According to Bagatsing, the falsification of the said receipts were related to the fabricated assembly known as the Barangay Peace Keeping Action Team, which was allegedly spearheaded by the Barangay Bureau in all barangays in Manila last August 27, 2009.

To further strengthen his claims about such Manila government anomaly, Bagatsing explained in detail how the events unfolded. Accordingly, during the reimbursement process, the officials allegedly turn in a voucher indicating that 5,500 pieces of cheeseburgers were consumed by the participants in the fabricated assembly. What truly bothered the complainant was the fact that such small burger outlet is not capable of producing 5, 500 cheeseburgers in one day, when in reality such delivery could have taken the said burger joint 15 days to complete. To further reinforce his allegations, Bagatsing was able to acquire the inspection report filed on October 19, 2009 by the officials that was certified by Cecilia V. Sican, Inspector of the City General Services Office (CGSO), which apparently demonstrated that the original receipts that are numbered 0066 and 0067 were falsified to appear as 0214 and 0215.

The said forged copies that were presented to the city treasurer of Manila obtained the officials sum of P221, 250.00. As such this is a clear violation of article 217 of the revised penal code known as the malversation of public funds property, and article 171 or Falsification. Nevertheless, as this Manila government anomaly that concerns the release of government funds did not underwent proper bidding, the officials also violated the Section 367 of Republic Act. No. 7160 (R.A. 7160). It should be noted that the P221, 250.00 worth of reimbursement in this transaction exceeded the required amount stated under Section 367 of R.A. 7160, which particularly identified that the procurement of supplies should not exceed the amount of P 150, 000.00 for any items within a month for each of local unit, may it be first or second class cities within the Manila area.

Bagatsing included Mayor Alfredo Lim in his complaint as he was represented in the said illegal transaction by his secretary Rafaelito Garayblas. Garayblas notably signed the falsified documents with Lim’s consent, which in turn gives the Manila officials the permission to facilitate the anomalous activities. Although Lim may not have directly signed in this anomalous activity, the mere fact that his secretary has authorized the existence of this corrupt practice with his knowledge makes him liable as well. On a similar note, considering that Garayblas is Lim’s secretary, it is then agreeable that he was informed about the transaction in the first place.

With the election just around the corner, political candidates are vigilant about their actions so as not get themselves involved with illegal activities. Mayor Alfredo Lim consistently won the trust of the publicly, which is why he is still in the office to date. However, this fraudulent transaction that he and his colleagues are allegedly involved with is a clear manifestation of betrayal of the public’s trust. Therefore, it would be best for these officials to clarify the surrounding issues in order to shed light to the questions of the public.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim is facing graft charges along with seven other Manila officials. According to complainant, Reynaldo Bagatsing, the said officials were involved in yet another Manila government anomaly, specifically the falsification and malversation of documents in order to procure government funds. Caught in the middle of the issue is Angel’s Burger House, the establishment that provided the receipts forged by the officials.

Manila Jueteng Problem And Mayor Alfredo Lim

Illegal gambling is still rampant in this poverty-stricken city.The Manila Jueteng Problem has once again resurfaced as apparent in the arrests of several people involved in the said illegal form of gambling. Manila mayor Alfredo Lim along MPD director Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay have continuously reiterated that they will rid the city of illegal jueteng operators. Instead, there are intelligence reports that illegal jueteng operators are slowly resuming their activities in the city.

The recent arrests of several people are clear indications that the once eradicated Manila Jueteng Problem is still flourishing. One of the main reasons why this illegal gambling problem has resurfaced is that police officers and city officials are involved in this trade. This illegal numbers game is widely known to enjoy the blessing of dishonest policemen and city hall officials. In return for the protection extended, these jueteng protectors are bribed with a portion of the profits generated from this illegal activity.

The inability of the police force to prosecute these people involved in Jueteng has further escalated the Manila Jueteng Problem. Many people who are actively participating in this illegal activity were able to avoid arrests due to the influence of higher police officials and city hall personnel including the Mayor of Manila.Moreover, jueteng operators in the city have discovered a way to elude arresting police officials. Investigations showed jueteng lords in the city operate in a ‘kangaroo’ style or transfer from one place to another to escape detection.

Jueteng operators in the city have also developed a sense of resiliency in covering up their illegal operations. To deceit and mislead the city’s law enforcers, these jueteng collectors pretend they are soliciting bets for the government-sponsored EZ-2 lotto. Jueteng bares resemblance to EZ-2 which is a legal numbers game launched by the government through the PCSO.Jueteng and EZ-2 both use a winning two-number combination where bettors make their bets.

The only difference between the two is that jueteng is drawn secretly and exists as an underground transaction.It is alleged that the winning combination in jueteng is chosen by the operator. Jueteng operators select combinations with fewer bets to accumulate more profits. Meanwhile, EZ-2 is officially permitted and drawn live on TV.

Unless the city government under Mayor Alfredo Lim and Manila Police Department come clean and admit their involvement in this kind of illegal activity; the Manila Jueteng Problem will still remain unsolved. If Mayor Lim and Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay are keen in eliminating this kind of illegal activity in the city, their action must begin within their ranks. They should be going after the protectors and big time jueteng lords instead of arresting small bet collectors. Moreover, the city government must also look into the bigger picture and address the real cause why this illegal numbers game even exists.

There are many reasons why the Manila jueteng problem has once again resurfaced as apparent in the arrests of several people involved in the said illegal form of gambling. The inability of the police force and Mayor of Manila Alfredo Lim to bring those people involved in Jueteng has further aggravated the problem. The reported involvement of police and city halls officials in the illegal activity has made it impossible to address this problem.

Alfredo Lim’s Darkest Secret Revealed

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has been popularly known as the city’s version of John Wayne, Django Kojak and Dirty Harry.The former Western Police District (WPD) head and former Director of the NBI has been endowed with countless accolades and recognition for what he was able to achieve during his stint as police officer.The media has portrayed Lim as a no-nonsense, honest to goodness police officer. Moreover, Lim is now regarded as a hero of Manila and recognized for his courage and devotion to duty for his beloved city.

It is a sad fact that many people have bought these kinds of stories that were created and written by no less than Alfredo Lim himself. Lim has been successful in manipulating the media which has helped him in building an outstanding reputation as a former police officer. Many people were misled into believing that Manila’s most outstanding policeman’s rise to power is a product of years of dedication and hard work.The true story behind this fancied Manila Mayor and former MPD chief continues to be untold which is part of the reason why he still enjoys popularity and recognition among Manilenos.

Not too many people are aware of the dark side of Mayor Lim due to his constant manipulation of the media during his tenure in the MPD. Lim’s well-documented exploits and heroics were fictions written by his media friends. With the help of the media compassionate to him, Alfredo Lim’s dark side were successfully hidden and remained uncovered for many years. Whereas, the true stories about him was exactly the opposite of what has been touted by the media.

There exist untold stories which can enlighten us with the truthful side of this former police chief. Lim’s career as a police officer is exactly the opposite of what the media has been telling us for many years. Alfredo Lim was once a dirty cop. Lim’s stint as a police officer was tainted with reported cases of corruption, utter disregard for the law, abuse of authority and human rights violations including “salvaging,” shady deals and a reign of terror, all perpetrated by Lim and his cohorts.

Alfredo Lim was a master of manipulations as revealed by his comrades in uniform. Lim was an expert and knew many ways of soliciting loyalty and support from his colleagues and subordinates in the police force. He worked his way and manipulated his subordinates to get their support for his personal gain and promotion.His manipulative nature has also helped him in covering up his misdeeds and his affiliation to a number of syndicates and illegal activities. Lim is also known for his reputation as a protector of Manila’s drug lords and smugglers.The former MPD chief is closely identified with one of the most powerful drug lords in Manila.Lim has protected several drug lords of the city including his friend Manuel Velasco, the leader of a big drug syndicate at Binondo; and even his nephew, a certain Maynard Limcangco Siojo. Aside from illegal drugs, Lim has also been closely identified with big time smugglers and smuggling syndicates.

Alfredo Lim‘s success in portraying himself as an outstanding police officer is nothing but a product of his ability to manipulate media. The media has been constantly portraying Lim as a no-nonsense, honest to goodness police officer. The Manila Mayor was successful in hiding all his wrongful acts and misdeed he has done during his stint in as police chief. Meanwhile, the dark side of Mayor Lim continues to be untold and remained uncovered.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim Should Get A Failing Mark

The nation’s capital which was once regarded as The Pearl of the Orient Seas, further deteriorated and decayed under the leadership of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. As city mayor, Lim has completely reversed all the growth and development enjoyed by the city under the leadership of his predecessor. Since he took control, the city has encountered drastic blows to its dream of becoming a premiere and world class city.Moreover, many Manilenos particularly the impoverished ones, suffered under the city government’s incompetence in delivering basic social needs.

The failures of governance in Manila became more evident than ever as the city degenerates at a faster pace. Just by walking around Manila’s streets can give us an idea how the present administration had become insensible and ignorant of the city’s needs. It is no doubt why Manila has been left behind by other Asian cities like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur in all aspects. For a person who endears the city so much, the pain becomes unbearable in accepting the fact that the once mighty and lovely city has turned into a complete mess and cesspool. We do not have to go too far on finding who is to blame on the deterioration of our beloved nation’s capital. No one is more liable for the failures of governance in Manila than Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.The present mayor along with his administration failed miserably in running the city as they completely abandoned and negated what was successfully started by their predecessors. Instead of starting on what was completed by the former mayor; Lim started to employ a new policy and form of governance much to the discontent of the already thriving city residents.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and the city’s incapacity to respond during emergency situations and tragedies was seen during the recent fire that razed the old downtown Manila. The crowded shantytown was completely burned and almost 3,000 families lost their homes. The incident further uncovered the city government’s lack of evacuation and relocation capabilities as three thousand families were left struggling on finding a new place for shelter. Instead of prioritizing the welfare of the fire victims, the city government was too busy in trying to sell the area to a property developer.

Under Alfredo Lim, a former police officer himself, Manila’s peace and order situation degenerated as evident in the record-high levels of crime in the city. The streets of Manila are still home to some of the most notorious pickpockets and holdup artists. In terms of infrastructure; the city is still lacking the infrastructure it needs to improve navigation and travel within the city.The city’s streets are still filled with all sorts of pollution and traffic flow is chaotic.

The present mayor was also unsuccessful in providing housing programs that could have benefited thousands of homeless people inhabiting almost every city street.Mayor Lim also promised to support any measure that would call for the removal of the oil depot in Pandacan but when the measure was passed, he acted the other way. There was also no available economic plan dedicated on uplifting the lives and providing the poor with employment and livelihood opportunities.Public hospitals of the city are seeking for new medical equipment and medical supplies, and there is a shortage of medical facilities to which Manilenos could run into when needed.It was also under Lim’s leadership that the beautification of Manila was abandoned as evident in the now stinking Luneta Park and dimmed Avenida Rizal. Manila is stinking just like its esteros and streets.

Despite all of these failures of governance in Manila, Alfredo Lim is still running for reelection in this forthcoming Manila Election. Lim is again claiming several unnoticed achievements he made during his tenure as city mayor. As he goes through with his campaign, Lim is again promising a lot of things to fulfill, though much of his earlier promises were not fulfilled. Let’s just hope that the Manilenos can recognize what it was like when Alfredo Lim was not their mayor.

Manila further deteriorated and decayed under the administration of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. No one is more accountable for the failures of governance in Manila more than Mayor Alfredo Lim. As city mayor, Lim has completely negated all the growth and development gained by the city under the leadership of his predecessors. The present mayor failed miserably in running the city as he completely abandoned and negated what was successfully started by his predecessors.

Alfredo Lim Is Not A Real EDSA1 Hero

Alfredo Lim has been consistently receiving accolades and admiration for the role he played during the famed EDSA 1. The mayor of Manila, who is running for reelection, has been stating false claims and wrong representation to solidify his image as a real EDSA 1 hero.Mayor Lim has in many ways succeeded in doing so as evident in the current status of his political career. However, as he successfully builds up his reputation, he also continues to misrepresent the facts.

Recorded events of old Manila watch will tell us exactly the opposite of what Alfredo Lim has been telling us. The mayor of Manila has been furnishing his image for cheap politics at the expense of another great unknown EDSA hero in Col. Jose H. Dawis. Dawis served as the Chief of Police of Quezon City during EDSA 1 under the leadership of the then General Lim. Dawis knew very well how the former general acted during the height of EDSA1. However, his account of Lim’s participation in EDSA1 continues to be untold and misrepresented.

Colonel Dawis knew very well how General Lim acted like a coward during the height of demonstrations and protests.As Commanding General, Lim was not bold enough to face the angry demonstrators and was cowardly hiding in small Antique shop in P. Tuazon the whole time laden with fear. He was so reluctant and afraid that he passed on the burden of controlling the crowd in EDSA to his personnel. Dawis was ordered by General Lim to disperse the crowd in EDSA at all cost upon the order of order of then President Ferdinand Marcos.

Colonel Dawis at that time only had a handful of 100 people under him when he was ordered by General Lim to disperse the crowd of more than 100,000 in EDSA. To help Colonel Dawis’ in his job, General Lim has promised him with additional 500 military men to help him in the dispersion of the crowd in EDSA.But Colonel Dawis was disobedient.The brave Colonel stood on his principles and vehemently told Gen. Lim that he will not disperse the crowd who were just expressing their grievances peacefully.

The insubordination of Colonel Dawis has made General Lim enraged and fuming.He was completely furious with how Colonel Dawis responded and disobeyed his orders. As a response, General Lim started to speak angrily to Colonel Dawis who remained unfazed.Colonel Dawis remained with his principles and defied the orders of his superior officer despite the threats of losing his job.

Former Senator Butch Aquino can attest to this claim since he and Colonel Dawis had developed a very good relationship. Colonel Dawis was very considerate and warm to the opposition leaders and would allow them to protest peacefully in Quezon City.

This is a clear sign that the accolades and admiration that Alfredo Lim enjoys should not be extended to him. Lim should not be considered as one of the many real heroes of EDSA1 for the fact that he was never one. Lim is confusing the public into believing his false claims and misrepresentations of facts at the expense of another great and worthy hero. Colonel Dawis is the real EDSA1 hero and should be given with the necessary accolades and recognition, and not the person who desperately tries to build his self a reputation using nothing but lies.

The mayor of Manila, who is seeking reelection, has been making frivolous claims and false representation to bolster his image as a real EDSA one hero. Mayor Alfredo Lim has in many ways succeeded in doing so as evident in the current status of his political career. On the contrary, Lim is using his frivolous claims and misrepresentations of facts at the expense of another great and worthy hero, Colonel Dawis.

-Julius Arante

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim Faces Graft Charges For Sale Of Century Park Hotel

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno is charged with graft before the Office of the Ombudsman for facilitating the fraudulent bidding and sale of the Century Park Hotel at a bargain price of P 1 Billion.Lim and Moreno alongside 20 councilors, four other city officials and four John Does are also facing graft charges in a 26-page complaint filed by former legal adviser of Lim and close friend Atty. Reynaldo L. Bagatsing.The complaint calls for nullification of the said anomalous transaction and the penalization of the perpetrators involved.

Bagatsing has been alarmed by the transaction which he believes is manifestly and grossly disadvantageous to the City of Manila as the city is set to lose almost P2 billion.The five-star Century Park Hotel is currently sited on a 4.5 hectare prime property which could have given the city government with at least P3 billion in sales.Instead, the city government has given the right to the prime property at a bargain price of P1billion, a far cry from what should have been its original price. It was claimed by Bagatsing that Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno used their authority to make sure that the transaction will take place for the benefit of the mayor’s ally in Lucio Tan.

The documents obtained by Bagatsing from the City Assessor’s Office shows that the land occupied by the hotel was inexplicably reduced to an area of 22, 967 square meters and worth P 965,261,850 or almost P1 billion. The value of which the land was sold does not actually follow the current zonal valuation of the land as directed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue. In reference to the BIR’s assessment, the current value and selling price of prime properties in the Malate-Ermita district ranges from P 50,000 to P 80,000 per square meter. Using the current assessment, the land should have been acquired for about P3 billion.

The land was sold to the alleged winning bidder, Maranaw Hotels and Resort Corporation, the owner of Century Park Hotel. The corporation is publicly listed under the name of business tycoon Lucio Tan, a known ally of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. In 2003, Tan’s firm obtained the rights to operate the hotel in 2003 from Tourist Trade and Travel Corporation of the Martel family. Maranaw Hotels and Resort Corporation, the current hotel’s operator, made a P1billion bid and was later awarded with the right to the land. It is believed that Lim may have played a hand in the said anomalous transaction due to his closeness to Tan.

It was believed that the city council composed of 20 councilors have given Lim the authority to negotiate the sale of the hotel through City Council Resolution No. 176 adopted on August 5, 2008.The city council has also affirmed and ratified the award and sale to Tan’s firm through Resolution No. 278 approved on December 23, 2008. The said transaction was also completed hastily in only a span of five months after Lim was granted authority to negotiate the sale. To make sure that the anomalous transactions will not be uncovered, the Committee on Bid and Award issued and published erratic and false notice of auction in the in the Philippine Star.

All the evidences gathered and collected show clear evidences that there had been an attempt to reduce the price tag for the said property which clearly makes this transaction a sweetheart deal.The deal has benefited an ally of Mayor Lim and clearly betrays the city’s taxpayers and residents.The involvement of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim in this fraudulent transaction is a clear indication of abuse of authority and power, and a clear betrayal of the public’s interest. The Ombudsman on its part must take a concerted effort in bringing all the people involved to justice.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno are facing graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for their alleged involvement in the fraudulent bidding and sale of the Century Park Hotel at a bargain price of P 1billion. The involvement of the Mayor of Manila in the said anomalous transaction is a clear indication of abuse of authority and power, and a clear betrayal of the public’s interest.

Atienza Son Claims Harassment By Manila City Hall Department Heads

By Nestor Etolle  (The Philippine Star) Updated February 25, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines – Concerned Manila residents yesterday called on the police and other government agencies to look into the alleged harassment of City Hall personnel who tore down and removed posters of former Manila mayor Lito Atienza.

The residents, led by Atienza’s son Ali, enumerated before mediamen several incidents involving personnel from the City Hall’s Department of Public Safety who almost figured into clashes with supporters of the former mayor and secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The young Atienza said that on Monday men on board an Elf van (SHP-763) tore down and removed information posters of Atienza at the Tanbunting area along Aurora Boulevard. The men were reportedly personnel from the DPS, which is headed by former policeman Caloy Baltazar, a known ally of Mayor Alfredo Lim.

The DPS men were warned by residents not to remove those posters since they were put on private properties and allowed by the house owners to show their support for Atienza, Ali said. However, the DPS men continued with the removal of the posters.

At around 10 a.m. along Honorio Lopez Blvd. in Tondo, another DPS truck (565) arrived and the men on board also removed Atienza posters, Ali said. The same was repeated along Quezon Boulevard in Quiapo past 2 p.m., Ali said.

DPS personnel and residents also clashed in Tondo yesterday when some irate residents broke the windshield of a DPS van. The residents observed that it was only Atienza’s posters that were being removed by the DPS men.

“I am only wondering why these DPS personnel are singling out the posters of my father,” Ali told mediamen.

The young Atienza said that the situation is not fair since Lim also has a lot of campaign materials posted in several places, and asked why Lim has not ordered the removal of his own posters and tarpaulins in Manila.

Ali said they are now gathering more evidence for the filing of appropriate charges on the DPS personnel and Baltazar before the Civil Service Commission. He also called on the police to remain vigilant on the streets to thwart an impending clash of DPS men and residents that could lead to loss of lives and properties.

Lim, Atienza and former Palace adviser on the peace process Avelino Razon will slug it out for the mayoralty race on May 10.

The STAR tried to get the reaction of Baltazar but was told he was not at his office attending to some commitments. – With Sandy Araneta