Aquino to lead Lim’s proclamation rally in Manila

MANILA , Philippines – The heated showdown expected in the city of Manila this election season starts on Monday, April 1, as President Benigno Aquino III leads the proclamation rally of re-electionist Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. 

Lim, together with other members of the local Liberal Party, will kick off their campaign at 4 pm at the Bonifacio Shrine. Candidates of the administration coalition Team PNoy will also attend the event.

The incumbent Mayor is up against former President Joseph Estrada. The fight between Lim and Estrada is expected to be a tight one as both trace their roots to Tondo, one of the biggest districts in Manila. 

The fight to become mayor of Manila between Lim and Estrada has been heating up. They recently participated in “Thrilla in UP Manila,” a forum organized in the state university. 

Heated exchanges

The debate in UP Manila was only the sequel to a television interview where both mayoralty bets traded barbs. The interview was where Estrada described Lim as ungrateful for joining the Edsa Dos Revolution in 2001 which ousted the former president.

Estrada appointed Lim as chief of the Department of the Interior and Local Government during his term. 

While under house arrest in Tanay in 2004, Estrada said Lim begged for his forgiveness. Lim denied Estrada’s claim.

Estrada is running under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), a coalition of Erap’s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino and Vice President Jejomar Binay’s Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban.

Estrada’s proclamation rally will be held on Sunday, March 31, at the Liwasang Bonifacio at 4 pm.

UNA is also scheduled to campaign for re-electionists San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez and Makati City Mayor Jun-jun Binay on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

On Thursday, March 28, the opposition coalition will barnstorm Tarlac, the hometown of President Aquino. – Rappler.com