Lim denies joining Lakas

Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Lim yesterday denied reports he took his oath as a member of the ruling Lakas-NUCD as part of the President's party in China. “I have nothing against Lakas but I intend to remain an independent,” Lim declared when interviewed yesterday. Lim recalled that he had long been identified with the political opposition, having worked with former Ambassador Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco of the Nationalist People's Coalition and former President Erap Estrada.

He had consistently carried the banner for the opposition in his failed electoral bids for congressman and mayor. “I was not able to assume office under the opposition banner,” Lim recalled. The mayor had formally protested his defeats to former Mayor Jose Torralba. The mayor said that maybe he was not destined to serve in public office under a political party.

In the 2004 elections, Lim decided to run virtually as an independent after former Vice Mayor Jorge Cabalit was chosen opposition standard-bearer in the city. Action star Fernando Poe Jr. proclaimed Cabalit in his Tagbilaran sortie, leaving Lim holding on to the proverbial empty bag. Lim said it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Spurned by the opposition, Lim said he insisted in running despite the bleak forecast.

 Instead, he won the three-cornered fight despite mounting a rag-tag campaign that was not given much choice. Lim said that being an independent had its rewards. “Perhaps because I was not allied with either side of the political fence, I was able to work well with both the administration and opposition in the city council,” he added.  The mayor however made it clear that he was supporting both Gov. Erico Aumentado and Rep. Edgar Chatto who are both gunning for their third terms. “While I have not taken my oath, I am declaring my unequivocal support for both of them as part of the unification efforts,” Lim said.

The mayor said that he had always been in favor of unification moves that was first introduced by then Sen. Ernesto Herrera and which Aumentado continued. Lim also expressed appreciation for the efforts made by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza to have him declared as the administration's official bet for mayor next year. “I am honored that no less than the mayor of the country's premier city would be interested in seeing me officially declared as part of the administration ticket,” he added.

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