Alfredo Lim shakes hands with Joseph Estrada son

MANILA, Philippines — Manila mayoral candidate Alfredo Lim on Thursday shook hands with his political rival’s son during a chance encounter in the city’s sixth district.

Lim was on a float leading a motorcade near the corner of Pedro Gil and Onyx streets in Pandacan when he saw Jude Estrada, son of reelectionist Mayor Joseph Estrada, with some companions and standing next to the float.

Lim and the younger Estrada shook hands as the crowd reacted to the gesture. Lim wished Jude “good luck” and continued with the motorcade.

The former mayor was accompanied by his son Manolet, campaign manager Nino dela Cruz and candidate for sixth district Councilor Raffy Crespo Jimenez.

Lim, the official candidate of the ruling PDP-Laban party chaired by President Duterte, said he is waging a friendly campaign and not one that involves black propaganda, mudslinging and the like.

“Maski tatay niya makita ko, kakamayan ko din (If I see his father, I would also shake his hand),” Lim said, adding that a political campaign need not be vicious.

Isko Moreno calls for better discourse

Another mayoral candidate, Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, yesterday dismissed recent attempts to take down his campaign paraphernalia.

Masked motorcycle riders were seen taking down tarpaulins and posters on closed-circuit television videos that became viral on social media.

“Black propaganda is perpetrated by persons who have nothing good to say for Manileños. They don’t have concrete plans for the city,” he said. 

Domagoso said candidates are better off talking about their plans, dreams, and aspirations for the city instead of engaging in “old-school, trapo-type black propaganda.”

Last month, two motorcycle-riding men shot up his billboard at the corner of Herrera and Rizal Avenue.

Domagoso called on Manileños to be vigilant for any attempt to violate their right to choose their leaders in the coming elections.