LIM ORDERS PROBE ON TREE-CUTTING IN MANILA

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim firmly ordered the immediate investigation of the chopped seven old trees along Qurino Avenue, where photo was shown in a daily newspaper on March 11, 2010.

The trees located along P. Quirino Avenue near P. Gil St., were cut upon request of the landowner, a certain Federico Dy with address at 1400 Pres. Quirino Avenue cor., South Super Highway, Manila,  to give way to the construction of a gas station in the area.

 “Manila has a tree-planting policy and campaign. We plant trees every Saturday and it’s a continuous campaign. Then these people will just cut these trees for commercial purpose and personal gains? We cannot allow this act to just slip through our fingers,” Lim said, aghast at the news column with photo in the paper.

“We need to file appropriate charges against the agency responsible and the people involved,” he added.

 City Engineer Armando L Andres upon the directive of Mayor Lim immediately instructed Engr. Josephine Saing, District Engineer  of 5th District to investigate on the matter.

Andres presented a copy of  tree-cutting permit issued to Dy by Dr. Jose Andres L. Diaz, OIC, Regional Executive Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – National Capital Region (DENR-NCR), which allowed the landowner to cut six (6) trees (3 Narra and 3 Mahogany) to give way for the construction of the proposed Metro Oil Gas Station.

 The permit stated, “Cognizant thereto and pursuant to the Memorandum dated November 27, 2009 of secretary Jose L. Atienza Jr., setting guidelines and procedures on the planting, maintenance and removal of trees in urban areas and in areas affected by government infrastructure projects, a Tree Cutting Permit is hereby granted…”

 The permit was accompanied by a certificate of compliance signed by Bernadette P. Atienza, FMS II, DENR-NCR, which showed that the requirement to provide a replacement of 260 saplings of assorted indigenous/endemic species was delivered.

 Lim said that it takes years to grow these old trees and yet the agency which is supposed to guard against the destruction of these elements of nature committed the violation by allowing a private company to cut the trees.

He also pertained back to the incident in Intramuros, where DENR filed charges against Anna Maria “Bambi” Harper, Intramuros administrator, for violation of Presidential Decree 953, specifically Sec. 3 that states: “Any person who cuts, destroys, damages or injures naturally growing or planted trees of any kind shall be punished with imprisonment of no less than six months and not more than two years, or a fine of not less than P500 and not more than P5,000, or with both such imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the court.”

 Harper however had plead indirect involvement with the cutting of the 29 trees in Intramuros, as the contractor was the party at fault.

 “It’s similar to the trees cut in Intramuros. So why would this case be any different? It was a clear violation of the law. Besides, this gas station is a private entity, not a government infrastructure project, giving them no authority to cut them trees,” Lim explained. 

 Chief of Staff Ricardo De Guzman scheduled an immediate ocular inspection with the Mayor of the site on Friday afternoon together with City Legal officer Atty. Renato dela Cruz, City Engineer Armando Andres, Engr. Walfrido Novero, City Administrator Jesus Mari Marzan, Atty. Solfia Arboladura of Manila Tourism & Cultural Affairs Bureau, and Atty. Analyn Buan of Manila Barangay Bureau.

Atty. Arboladura said that they have also clearly violated the Republic Act 3571, AN ACT TO PROHIBIT THE CUTTING, DESTROYING OR INJURING OF PLANTED OR GROWING TREES, FLOWERING PLANTS AND SHRUBS OR PLANTS OF SCENIC VALUE ALONG PUBLIC ROADS,IN PLAZAS, PARKS, SCHOOL PREMISES OR IN ANY OTHER PUBLIC GROUND.

Atty. Dela Cruz said, appropriate complaints are already prepared for filing. He said the permit granted to Dy was unreasonable.

Andres detached the board bearing the building permit  information saying that they have already revoked such permit, thus they must stop the construction.

CITY HALL TO RESORT TO ENERGY CONSERVATION THIS SUMMER

In view of a tight power supply this summer caused by the El Nino phenomenon, Manila City Electrician Engr. Ernesto Cuyugan issued the following energy conservation measures to be observed: turn off all lights at lunchtime (from 12 noon to 1 p.m.), minimize the use of air conditioning units; prohibit the use of flat iron, stoves and other heaters and playing of computer games.

The guidelines will take effect this March until May 31, 2010.

Cuyugan said the heavy use of electricity during summer is one of the reasons causing power circuit breaker tripping, fires and overloading or overheating of wires.

As Fire Month is observed nationwide during March, Cuyugan said employees must do their share in insuring safe usage of electricity this summer so that no overload or tripping will occur that would add to fires in the city.

Power consumption during summer normally increases by at least 25 percent with the use of more cooling appliances like aircons and electric fans.

This increased demand trigger massive brownouts because supply is hardly enough to meet demand, Cuyugan said adding that wanton use of electricity could lead to fire that will cause substantial damages to property and injury to humans.

Finally, Cuyugan said, all electrical equipment must be turned off and unplugged from the sockets after office hours.

LIM OPENS HIPPODROMO PLAYGROUND IN STA. MESA

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning inaugurated the new playground located at Hippodromo, Sta. Mesa, the first playground he is opening in 2010.

Public Recreation Bureau Director Engr. Deogracias Manimbo said the P3 million playground has an area of almost 900 square meters. After the inauguration of playground, the Mayor led in the tree planting with six Langka seedlings planted around the playground.

Lim reminded the residents to keep the playground clean and to take good care of the facilities for their children’s enjoyment.

Former Manila 6^th district Representative Sandy Ocampo called Mayor Lim as their hero for giving importance and love to the children of the city, particularly of Sta. Mesa.

Lim in turn commended Ocampo for his expression of support and his love for the future leaders of the country, which was earlier resisted by the community until it was finally pushed through.

Department heads present during the occasion were, City Engineer Armando Andres, City electrician Ernesto Cuyugan, Acting Manila Fire Marshal Felixberto Abrenica, Veterinary Inspection Board OIC Sonia Salmos and Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center director Dr. Fidel Chua.

Rid Manila Of Vices, Drugs, Piracy, and Garbage – LIM

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim together with Manila Police District (MPD) Director Rodolfo Magtibay Jr., led the ‘operation clean-up’ of the streets in Manila.

In a briefing before the cleaning, Lim told the group of Police officers and city officials present, that they should open up their minds on the criticisms which may be brought about by such operation.

“Maraming magre-react dito sa paglilinis na gagawin natin. meron diyan na magagalit. Yung mga vendors, kailangan na talagang tanggalin. May ordinansa tayo di ba? Kailangan 1×1 lang ang size ng pwesto nila at between 6pm to 9pm lang sila pwede magtinda. Yung iba kasi extended hanggang madaling araw, iniiwan pa yung mga pwesto nila na nakakalat.”, Lim explained.

“At yung mga bagsakan ng mga paninda tulad ng prutas at gulay, nakakarumi kasi yan pag naiwan yung mga kalat. Bakit di na lang gawing bagsakan yung sa Road 10 tutal maluwag don. At sabihan nyo ang mga may-ari ng tindahan na linisin nila ang mga tapat nila lalo na sa mga palengke. Kung hindi sila susunod, ipasara nyo. May patakaran tayo dito, kung di tayo gagamit ng kamay na bakal sa mga ito at puro salita lang tayo,hindi susunod ang mga iyan,” he further instructed.

“Pati mga illegal terminals at yung pinaparadahan ng mga bus na hindi dapat, alisin na iyan.”

Lim ordered them to accelerate the cleaning-up not only of the roads and streets from garbage and illegal vendors but also eliminate all the vices especially jueteng, as he promised the anti-gambling advocate Bishop Cruz that Manila does not and will never tolerate jueteng.

“Tell Col. Tendero to also remove and confiscate the pirated cd’s and dvd’s not only the pornographic. Kunin na lahat iyan, porno o hindi, illegal iyan dahil pirated,” Lim added.

“Basta paigtingin natin ang campaign agains vices, drugs, at lahat ng illegal. Walang malakas malakas.” he concluded and went out in Ongpin St. to start sweeping the stretch to Avenida using broomsticks and garbage disposals and fire hoses front fire volunteers and Manila Fire Department.

BAYWALK IS A HAVEN OF PEACE FOR LOVERS AND FAMILIES – LIM

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim announced to his Facebook (FB) friends and the public about the fireworks display prepared by the City Government of Manila at Baywalk across the Rajah Sulayman Park on December 31, 2009 at 12 midnight to welcome 2010 with enchanting and magnificent sparks and lights.

His wish of a peaceful and quiet nation was emphasized in his FB shoutout. “I pray for peace not only in Manila but in our country as a whole.”

Baywalk, which was once known for loud and noisy restaurants which disturbed a lot of tenants and guests in the condominiums and hotels respectively in the nearby areas, was wiped clean when Lim assumed his mayoral post in 2007.

Some were disappointed especially the bar and restaurant owners but more lauded Lim’s action when they started to appreciate the beautiful view of Manila Bay and its sunset without distractions and hindrances, even from the comfort of their driving along Roxas Boulevard. The city government also put more pleasing lightings to liven the baywalk more which stretched up to its boundary in Vito Cruz.

Thus, on New Year’s Eve, Manila will be displayed with life and lights along baywalk. Contrary to critics’ claim that it is now dark and filthy, the “walk along the boulevard” as it was once fondly called, has been admired of its exposed beauty and splendor day and night. Couples and families walking along the baywalk watching the beautiful sunset and enjoying the sea breeze appreciated its quietness and serenity.

“At least now, the lovers and families walking along the baywalk can enjoy its tranquility. They can talk and chat without competing with the loud sounds from the bandstands. And in the event of an unexpected calamity like typhoon, the motorists will be safe from the possible dangers of the stalls’ parts flying around,” Lim said.

“Also, it stopped the accumulation of garbage in Manila bay as well. Because even if the people at that time said they were not throwing garbage in the bay, they couldn’t avoid the plastic cups and paper plates which the restaurants at that time were using, from being blown into the waters of the bay.” 

“They said a lot of jobs were lost when the restaurants were removed, but we have to follow the law. No drinking in public and say no to noise pollution. Besides, how can jobs be lost, most of them had their main branches in the inner Manila like Malate. I was told the crews were only taking shifts between their main branch and the one they have put up in Baywalk.”

“I have already talked to our officers to revive the Saturday activities when we had replaced the baywalk restaurants and stalls with serenades from the school chorales and bands as well to give some entertainment to the passers by and public in a non-busy day.This will also encourage our public school students to participate, cultivate, and show their talents.”

(Mayor Lim’s Facebook: Alfredo Lim. Please visit www.manilacityph.com or www.fredlim.com for the link. Thank you.)

LIM WANTS CAMPAIGN MATERIALS REMOVED IN THE CITY

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim ordered the City Engineering and Department of Public Services to get rid of the posters, streamers, tarpaulins and other nuisance materials that are hanging on major roads and intersections, weeks before the actual campaign allowed by law.  

            At the Department Heads and Chiefs of offices meeting last Monday, the Mayor directed City Engineer Armando Andres to coordinate with DPS Chief Col. Carlos Baltazar regarding the removal of campaign materials that are blocking the landscape of the city. 

            Under the rules and regulation of the Commission on Elections, no campaign material in any form must be used after the filing of the certificate of candidacy, which ends on Dec. 1, 2009. 

            Yet, Lim said, months before the filing of COCs, these materials have already donned the major thoroughfares, distracting motorists and pedestrians from their normal course of life. 

            Lim, a stickler for laws, said “the city must follow and uphold the law to be fair to all. The objective is also to clean up the city and maintain it from thereon.” 

            Similarly, Lim told the department heads to, as much as possible, continue what the good projects and progorams of their predecessors and not just scrap them just to put in something new, that they can call their own. 

“For as long as they are good and right including the projects and renovations so that the city will not be spending much on changes and revisions if only for the sake of the new designated officer’s personal dislike,” he said. 

If some of them need improvements or just minor revisions, critical thinking must be observed and not indulge in changing the whole structure. This applies to all hospitals, schools, offices which are being either repaired or reconstructed, Lim said. 

He also reminded them to do their duties and level up their performances as he has never interfered with any of their corresponding tasks. He respects the duties and responsibilities of the heads and their capabilities in performing their work well.