Manila mayoral candidate Alfredo Lim: No city government employees to lose jobs

MANILA, Philippines — Manila mayoral candidate Alfredo Lim yesterday vowed that he will not remove any city government personnel should he win in next week’s midterm polls.

During a dialogue with residents of District 5 in Baseco, Lim said he will order the hiring of more street sweepers, considering how dirty Manila’s surroundings have become – an apparent dig at reelectionist Mayor Joseph Estrada.

“No one will be removed from their jobs. We will add more workers. I am not like others who, upon taking office, prioritize firing people. Life is difficult enough, no one should lose their jobs at city hall,” he said in Filipino.

Lim made the pronouncement to allay fears caused by rumors being circulated by those from opposing camps that those hired by the current city administration stand to lose their jobs if he wins in the coming elections.

Lim, who served as mayor from 1992 to 1998 and 2004 to 2007, also promised that the salaries and benefits of all employees – whether they are job order, casual, temporary or regular – will always be given on time so employees would not be forced to take out loans or pawn their ATM cards.