PNoy to endorse Lim on April Fools’ Day

MANILA, Philippines – While “Cory Magic” failed him in his bid for the presidency against Joseph Estrada in 1998, re-electionist Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim is banking on “Noynoy Magic,” this time against the same rival for the upcoming local polls.

President Benigno Aquino III is set to grace Lim’s proclamation rally on Monday, April 1, at the Bonifacio Shrine, Lim’s campaign manager and chief of staff Ric de Guzman said.

The event will start at 3 pm but the President is expected to arrive an hour later.

“He will endorse the mayor, not only because of his affiliation with the Liberal Party (LP), but also because the President has known Lim as an effective local executive,” De Guzman said.

The President’s mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, endorsed Lim in his bid for the presidency, but Lim lost to Joseph Estrada.

Estrada also cites his ties to the late President. He repeatedly says that Cory vindicated him when she asked for forgiveness for her role in EDSA 2, which led to his ouster and eventual conviction for plunder.

Easterada vs April Fools 

Lim’s proclamation coincides with the start of the campaign period for local candidates. With the Commission on Elections prohibiting campaigns on March 29, Good Friday, Lim’s camp opted to set their proclamation rally on April Fool’s Day. 

De Guzman said they wanted to emphasize that no voter should be fooled by politicians who were only known for “broken promises.”

He added that they are not unfazed by “Happy Easterada,” the proclamation rally of the local candidates of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) to be held at Liwasang Bonifacio on Easter Sunday, a day ahead of their sortie.

“Kanya-kanyang rally ‘yan eh. (Each camp will have its own rally.) We even coordinated with Manila Police District to secure their event,” De Guzman said.

Lim, his running mate Councilor Lou Veloso and other LP local candidates in Manila will present platforms on health, education, and the peace and order situation.

They expect to draw a crowd of 12,000 because of the President’s presence, he said.

“Welcome ang lahat (Everyone is welcome). I invite the Manileños to attend to know the platforms of our candidates,” he said.

Lim’s campaign manager added that celebrities will also grace the event and actor Cesar Montano, who played Lim in a biopic, will be the program host. 

Traffic advisory

Five roads will be closed noon onwards on April 1 to accommodate Lim’s proclamation rally:

• Taft Ave. corner Ayala Ave.
• A. Villegas St. corner Ayala Ave.
• Natividad Lopez St. corner Ayala Ave.
• P. Burgos St. corner Natividad Lopez St.
• P. Burgos St. corner Finance

– Rappler.com