Pro-FPJ group backs Lim?

MANILA, Philippines – A day after Vice Mayor Isko Moreno showed documents that would supposedly prove Mayor Alfredo Lim’s involvement in his arrest, the re-electionist mayor claimed to have gotten the support of a group associated with the late actor Fernando Poe Jr.

The supposed endorsement, posted on Lim’s Facebook page, becomes ironic since FPJ was known as the best friend of Lim’s challenger, former President Joseph Estrada.

On his Facebook page, Lim posted the photo of members of the Filipinos for Peace and Justice and Progress Movement (FPJPM), which worked in the presidential campaign of Poe in 2004. It is also supporting the senatorial bid of the actor’s daughter, former censors chief Grace Poe.

FPJPM also used to stand for Fernando Poe Jr for President Movement.

“Nagkaroon ng mock elections at 90 percent ng kanilang 100,000 members, ako ang ibinoto (The group held mock elections and 90 percent of its 100,000 members voted me),” Lim told Rappler in a phone interview.

When asked if he found it ironic that the followers of Estrada’s friend chose to support his bid for re-election, he said: “Sinusuportahan nila ako dahil alam nila na (They support my candidacy because they know) I’m going to continue projects like adding school buildings and my free health programs.”

Meanwhile, an NGO that claims a membership of 100,000 declared their support for former President Joseph Estrada and Moreno.

Ang Kaibigan ng Masa (AKMA) chair Nene Amago called on Lim to make good on his promise to resign when his rivals could prove he was behind the arrest of Moreno and 5 councilors over a bingo game.

“Mag-resign ka na (Resign now),” Amago said. “Tuparin mo na ngayon ang pinangangalandakan mo na ikaw ay bibitiw sa pwesto at aatras sa pagtakbo bilang alkalde ng Maynila kapag napatunayan na ikaw ang nag-utos ng pagbuwag ng isang laro ng bingo (Make good on your incessant promise that you would step down and withdraw from the race),” Amago said. – Rappler.com