Ex-Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim files COC in Manila

(Updated 12:51 p.m.) Former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim is eyeing a comeback in the Philippine capital.  

Lim, his running mate Manila First District Rep. Benjamin "Atong" Asilo, and his supporters marched from the GOMBURZA Monument on Padre Burgos to the Comelec office in Arroceros Street while holding signs bearing the words "Bawal Magnakaw."

If ever re-elected, Lim promised to return free healthcare in government hospitals and focus on law enforcement.

Meanwhile, Asilo vowed to conduct an investigation on the councilors who approved the privatization of public markets in the city.

During the march, Lim claimed Manila had more than P1 billion in the bank before he left the post in 2013 and was never accused of corruption in all his years in office.

 

The 85-year-old Lim, also a former senator, is expected to face anew incumbent Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada, who mulled seeking re-election as early as March this year.

Estrada won over Lim during the 2013 mayoral race. Lim's camp then filed a disqualification case against Estrada, but this was junked by the Supreme Court via an 11-3 vote in January.

Estrada has yet to file his COC.

On Monday, Manila 5th District Rep. Amado Bagatsing filed his COC for Manila mayor. Bagatsing's running mate is Ali Atienza, son of former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

 

Lim served as Manila mayor from 1992 to 1998 before attempting to run for presidency and serving as the Interior and Local Secretary from 1998 to 2001.

 

He then cut his run as a senator from 2004 to 2007 to successfully return as mayor in Manila from 2007 to 2013. — Rie Takumi/RSJ/KBK, GMA News