Manila exec hits dirty tactics

The Office of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza lashed out at unidentified parties who circulated a bogus invitation to a supposed gathering that the mayor was hosting at the Manila Hotel this week.

"This is the work of demented political minds," Secretary to the Mayor Emmanuel Sison said. "Kami sa pamahalaang lungsod ay nagtatrabaho para mapabuti ang kapakanan ng mga Manilenyo pero sila ay nanggugulo lang."

He said this was not something new, citing the circulation several weeks ago of pro-martial law stickers mislabeled as having been donated by the mayor.

Sison insisted that Atienza, a victim of martial rule who was jailed twice during the dictatorship, would not endorse its reimposition.

Sison issued the clarification after receiving reports that printed invitations were distributed to Manila’s barangay chairmen, as well as the media, for a non-existent event supposed to be hosted by the mayor at the Manila Hotel yesterday.

No such invitations were sent out by the Mayor’s Office, Sison said.