Bagatsing slams Estrada, Lim

Photo from the House of Representatives’ Official Website (congress.gov.ph)

MANILA — Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing slammed Mayor Joseph Estrada and his predecessor Alfredo Lim for the alleged “awful policies” in the city.

Bagatsing recently launched his bid for the mayoralty and gathered his supporters in Pandacan on Wednesday.

“Enough is enough. The people of Manila—from tricycle drivers, market vendors, businessmen and even tourists—are complaining of the awful policies of the city government. The people have tried Mayor Lim and Mayor Erap, so let’s try Amado Bagatsing,” he said.

Bagatsing, who represents Manila’s 5th District criticized Erap and Lim for the continued deterioration of the city.

“The former mayor, who served for nearly 12 years, let Manila fade into darkness and filth while also taking out so many loans for the city,” he said, referring to Lim.

“Under this current administration led by an actor, people here have become poorer. The city government has sold so many government properties and has made money out of everything. I fear that I might wake up one day learning that the entire city has been sold, including City Hall itself,” he added referring to Estrada.

Bagatsing assailed several orojects and policies under Estrada’s term including the “privatization” of the city’s public markets.

“There was no due process for this project. The stall holders weren’t told about the plan and now they fear being evicted any day. Something’s fishy about this and other deals. If the city government claims to have P10 billion in the bank, why does it still go into joint ventures?” Bagatsing said.

Bagatsing, who will be running for mayor in the next election tapped Councilor Arnold “Ali” Atienza, son of former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, as his running mate.