Atienza, Lim wrestling for Chinatown support

The Manila mayoralty race is getting intense by the day. Incumbent Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and his "comebacking" predecessor Alfredo Lim, are scrambling for the crucial support of the Manila’s Chinese community by each claiming majority backing from the tight-knit businessmen in Binondo.

During Lim’s testimonial dinner for his Chinese-Filipino friends Monday night and Atienza’s luncheon for Chinese-Filipino businessmen yesterday, both claimed active support from the influential community.

In a statement, Atienza quoted Chinese-Filipino Chamber of Commerce vice-president Jesse Sy as praising his creation of the Chinatown Development Authority (CDA), which boosted development of their community.

On the other hand, Lim said he was surprised to find several Chinese-Filipino businessmen in his dinner at the Century Park Sheraton despite alleged "threats of harassment" should they support his candidacy. Lim said the attendance went beyond his expectation.

Atienza also cited Manila Chinatown Barangay Association vice-president Bernard Go as expressing support for him.

This, as Lim vows to send Atienza to jail once he wins. "He better pray that he wins because if do, I will seek the investigation of the different anomalies during his (Atienza’s) term and send him to jail," said Lim.

Lim also reiterated his challenge to Atienza for debate for the latter to publicly account for the usage of city government’s funds. Lim said he has his own document to support his allegations.

But Atienza’s handlers said Lim "defaulted" on his chance to engage the incumbent mayor in a debate when he failed to show up during the Manila Hotel breakfast forum. During the weekly forum Monday, Lim and another mayoralty candidate, former Rep. Amado Bagatsing, did not show up, leaving Atienza alone in the panel.

In his press statement, Atienza said his efforts to spur development in the Chinatown district have contributed substantially to the area’s progress.

Atienza’s supporters cited the creation of CDA, a local government body tasked to formulate development programs for the district and coordinate their implementation.

The body was created by virtue of an executive order signed by Atienza on May 8, 1999, and is composed of four representatives from the city government and four representatives from the local community. "We would like to express our gratitude to Mayor Atienza for empowering us members of the community. For the first time, the city government has placed in our hands the means by which we could work for genuine progress in Chinatown," said Sy.