Metro Manila candidates fire opening salvo

MANILA, Philippines — Candidates vying for local posts in Metro Manila yesterday launched their respective campaigns with proclamation rallies and motorcades.

In Manila, reelectionist Mayor Joseph Estrada went to the St. Anthony Church in Singalong before holding a proclamation rally near the Dagonoy market in San Andres.

His rival, former mayor Alfredo Lim, attended mass at the Sto. Niño Church and held a motorcade in Tondo where he wooed senior citizens.

Another mayoralty bet, former vice mayor Isko Moreno, kicked off his campaign with a mass at the Sto. Niño de Tondo Church.

Moreno held a motorcade and capped his opening salvo with a proclamation rally in Sampaloc.  

Estrada and Lim were a no-show during a debate with other mayoralty bets at the University of the Philippines in Manila.

Lim said he does not want to waste his time on debates, which only result in mud-slinging.

 Moreno took advantage of his opponents’ absence and laid down his programs on garbage, traffic, jobs and environment.

Aside from Estrada, Lim and Moreno, five other candidates are running for mayor of Manila.

Church officials in Manila asked the candidates not to make noise near churches during their motorcades.

In Makati, incumbent Mayor Abigal Binay led the proclamation rally of her team with her father, fomer vice president Jejomar Binay, along Lawton Avenue yesterday afternoon.

She is facing off with her brother, former mayor Junjun Binay.

In San Juan City, Vice Mayor Janella Ejercito Estrada and her rival for mayor, Francis Zamora, also launched their proclamation rallies.

In Caloocan City, reelectionist Mayor Oscar Malapitan is running unopposed. – Jose Rodel Clapano, Non Alquitran, Evelyn Macairan, Robertzon Ramirez