Lim defends GMA at this time when it is not fashionable to do so

Guess who's depending President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at this time when it is not fashionable to so? .It's no other than City Mayor Dan Lim ,of all people. Whether it was for a change or not, Mayor Lim ran smack into lawyer Victor de la Serna one of the most vocal critics of President Arroyo. For several days now, dela Serna minced no words in calling the lady President names over the radio air lanes. Thief, cheat and fake president are just the slew of uncomplimentary descriptions de la serna hurled at the President. Apparently saying enough is enough, Lim yesterday stood up to defend the President who had been under fire no end from the topnotcher- lawyer..

But out of nowhere, Lim said that he disagrees with de la Serna whom he describes as a very good friend whom he respects. “Even as I respect his views, I also express my disagreements with his allegations against the President,” Lim said. The mayor and de la Serna had been on the same side on many issues including the move to buy-back the light and power utilities from the Salcon Group. Lim himself had been with the opposition until he was eased out in the last election when then Vice Mayor Jorge Cabalit was proclaimed official opposition candidate by action star Fernando Poe Jr. Lim said that as a lawyer, de la Serna is aware that he needs to present evidence to support his allegations. He added that even after this was done, it does not automatically mean the allegations have been proven unless a judge or the court comes out with a decision to that effect.

The mayor said that one of the problems hounding the country is the disobedience and disrespect for authorities. Lim noted that President Arroyo, despite critics who point out that she is the most unpopular head of state ever, has remained in office and is the longest serving President since 1986. “As Christians, we have a responsibility to obey those who are in authority,” Lim added. The mayor said he had been bothered by the criticisms and had long wanted to speak out in defense of Pres. Arroyo but he was waiting for officials occupying higher positions to do so. “When Pres. Arroyo was called a thief, cheat and fake president…not one congressman spoke in defense of the President's honor and correct the erroneous accusations,” Lim said.

He said one of the things that a foreigner observes in the Philippines is the lack of respect for authority. “This is sad because there is a culture that has taken form – a culture of disobedience and disrespect. We train our children early to show disrespect for parents and elders. As a consequence, it is easier for them to show little respect for teachers in school,” he added. Lim said that as far as he can remember, every administration has been accused of stealing including Bohol 's favorite son, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia. “While countries such as Vietnam , Cambodia and Laos that have been through bloody conflicts, this did not prevent their citizens from obeying and giving respect to their heads of state,” he added. Lim pointed out that Pres. Arroyo has given a lot to Tagbilaran, citing in particular the drainage and concreting work on CPG Ave.         “When you hear of flash floods in other cities, you will realize how Pres. Arroyo cares for us.

In our present condition, we cannot do everything we want at the same time. Those who are dear to the heart get first priority,” he noted. Lim said that even if she has not given anything, “we still have an obligation to respect her”. “We are not given the privilege to disobey or fight back just because we do not like them or disagree with the way they do things,” he added. “I urge our people to respect and obey our President. Regardless of our political affiliations, let us give her the respect due a President. If we do not respect her, is there no one else we respect anymore?” he asked.

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