MANILA’S REPLY ON CHEESEBURGER ISSUE: ALL IS PROPERLY DOCUMENTED

In what is clearly being used as an election issue against incumbent Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim on the purchase of cheeseburgers in August 2009 for a Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) conference of the National Capital Region, Lim asked his rivals to just refer to the documents on said purchase. “Everything is properly documented so they should just use the figures stated in the documents instead of fabricating their own in terms of the number and value of burgers purchased for said event,” Lim said. Also, Manila Barangay Bureau (MMB) chief Atty. Analyn Marcelo-Buan said the burgers were bought and given to the members and attendees of the launching and oath taking ceremonies of the BPAT-NCR last August 27, 2009 at the Rizal Football Stadium.   The clarification is being issued in view of a column in one of the tabloids last March 23, 2010 alleging that it was an anomalous purchase.   The issue is also being used against Mayor Lim by his political rival former Mayor Joselito Atienza Jr., and Atty. Rey Bagatsing, with the latter filing a case in the Ombudsman against Mayor Lim and other city officials.   Bagatsing alleged there was no event that happened to justify the purchase of 5,500 cheeseburgers from Angel’s Burger.   Buan, in a letter said that the event  was held last August 27, 2009, a project spearheaded by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) at Rizal Memorial Coliseum at Vito Cruz Manila.   “It was attended by various government agencies and NGO’s which include the BPAT composed of barangay tanods, Security Guards, Brgy Chairmen, Council of Elders, among others,” Buan stated.   “Considering that all 896 barangays of Manila were involved, MMB was requested by Manila Police District (MPD) to coordinate said event,” she explained.   “Gen. (Rodolfo) Magtibay, MPD chief requested for logistic support from the Office of the Mayor and the Mayor even approved the snacks of cheeseburgers for 25,000 people,” Buan explained.   She said the Mayor and DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno and Congresswoman Naida Angping attended the event.   She said there were two orders placed with Angel’s Burger which then had a promol offer of “Buy one Take one.”.The first order was for 5,000 and the second for 2,500 or total of 7,500 orders but at the promo this meant 15,000 burgers, again contrary to the 5,500 pieces that Bagatsing alleged.   Each order costs P29.50  (discounted 50 cents from the normal P30) totaling P147,500.00 for the first and P73,750.00 for the second. The grand total was P221,250..   Lim said he did not want to dignify the lies his rivals are spreading.   Other city officials assert that the documents are in place and anybody can look at them to get to the truth.

GIVE BLOW OUT TO YOUR PARENTS, LIM TELLS STUDENTS

Before handing the cash incentives to over 300 outstanding students of Manila who competed in different regional and international events, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim urged them to treat their parents for a meal.

In awarding ceremonies held at the Bulwagang Alfredo Velayo at Victorino Mapa High School, the Mayor reminded them that from the very start, “your parents showered you their love, attention, sacrifices and whatever they could give to inspire you to do your best. So they deserve one blow out from you in return.”

Mayor Lim said the incentives they were receiving came from the taxes their parents paid.  “Gusto ko lang liwanagin na ang mga natanggap ninyo ay galing sa mga magulang ninyo sa mga buwis na kanilang ibinabayad.”

Lim asked for their understanding for coming in late as he had to attend a necrological service of the slain police officer. He extended his condolence to the bereaved family in rites held at the Manila Police District Headquarters.

Mayor Lim also thanked the selected students of Juan Luna Elementary School for their remarkable introduction of him with matching visual presentation.

“Ngayon ko lang nalaman na habang pinapanood ko ang visual presentation ninyo ay marami rin pala akong nagawa para sa lungsod. Ang sabi kasi ng mga katunggali ko na wala daw akong nagawa,” Lim said.

During the Holy Week, Lim said he prayed that the Lord would forgive his detractors since they don’t know what they were doing.  “Patawarin ninyo po sila dahil hindi po nila alam ang kanilang ginagawa.”

Mayor Lim was assisted by City School Superintendent Dr Ponciano Menguito and Assistant City Schools Superintendent Drs Mauro de Gulan and Aurora Franco in distributing the incentives to the outstanding students who gave pride and honor to their school, to the city and the country.