Lim: 'We'll make sure Arroyo will stay until 2010'

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Saturday heard the words from Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim that were soothing to her ears: "We will make sure the President will stay until 2010." A report on the government website www.ops.gov.ph quoted Lim as saying the kind remarks after the President sang praises to him at the inauguration of the livelihood training center "Sentro ng Karunungan" in Tayuman, Tondo. Lim has been identified with an opposition that has been a thorn in the side of Mrs Arroyo and most of his colleagues have demanded her resignation as a result of corruption allegations and accusations that she rigged the 2004 presidential polls with the help of generals and former election commissioner Virgilio Garcillano. Although Mrs Arroyo survived two impeachment bids, including one last year, her opponents have promised to revive the calls for her impeachment. At the inauguration of the training center, the President cut the red-and-green ceremonial ribbon at the building lobby entrance before proceeding to unveil the blue marker of the concrete and green glass building. She was flanked by Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Manila 2nd District Rep. Jaime Lopez and former Manila Mayor Mel Lopez. Mrs Arroyo called the attention of the project proponent, Rep. Jaime Lopez, to get more youth to enroll in welding to which he promised to expand the coverage of the welding module. The Sentro ng Karunungan cost P35 million, with P5 million coming from the President’s Social Fund (PSF), and the rest from the countryside development fund of Rep. Lopez. Built by the North Manila Engineering District (NMED) of the Department of Public Works and Highways, the building has a floor area of 1,200 square meters. It will also house the Congressional District Library and the Lopez-TESDA Livelihood Training Institute. Aside from "Cosmetology with Spa and Caregiving" and "Welding," the livelihood courses to be offered in cooperation with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) include cellular phone repair, computer and electronic technician, building wiring, automotive, hotel and restaurant services, reflexology and massage therapy, food and meat processing, baking and fruit preservation, jewelry making, liquid soap processing, perfume making and culinary arts. While watching the hair-science demonstration together with the other guests, the President, noting the presence of Mayor Lim to her left, told the audience: "Kilala si Mayor Lim sa peace and order… (Lim is known for implementing peace and order.)" Interviewed after inauguration, Lim said that maintaining peace and order, "especially in Malacañang" is his duty as Manila mayor until 2010. "[Of course], that is my official responsibility – to maintain peace and order… I guarantee there will be no disorder, most especially in Malacañang. That is my responsibility," the mayor said. - GMANews.TV