Raging Bull
Columnists like Benedicto David would ask on January 14, 1972 in Daily Star: “We wonder how the Jaycees feel considering that Lt. Col. Alfredo Lim who was chosen outstanding Policeman for five years running by five different boards of judges has been made some sort of security man and parking lot attendant and receptionist at the Manila Police Headquarters?”
Another journalist Teodoro Valencia would praise Lim as well. “If he were a politician, he’s the kind who does not change parties nor turn against his party after it loses an election.”
To add further insult, his name was submitted to President Marcos as an “undesirable.” Martial Law had been declared. Under Marcos’ directives, names of government officials to be dismissed were submitted, and someone leaked to Lim that he was one of those listed. This time, he reached breaking point.
Upon hearing that he had been listed as an “undesirable,” Lim lost his temper and wanted to confront his accusers in City Hall. His gun packed, he was about to leave when his family prevailed upon him to reconsider. It was fortunate he did.
By his own estimate, over the course of his career, he’s probably killed 11 people in the line of duty, but further thought on the matter and he confesses to be unsure. “Marami kasi kami,” he says. “You can’t be sure kung sino naka tama.”
Along with Gen. Fidel Ramos’ recommendations, it was Bagatsing himself who finally called Lim back into action. The mayor needed somebody who was unafraid to go against certain power brokers in City Hall, to act as head warder of the city jail. Asking aloud, he heard no name that fitted the requirement. Then, someone said that he knew someone.
“Who?”
“You won’t like it.”
“Let’s hear it.”
“Fred Lim.”
“I always analyze a problem, study its ways and means, and if I’m convinced that it is in accordance with the law, come what may—I’ll do it,” says Lim to the gentle applause of the students.
Asked about what it takes to be a leader, he tells them that, “leadership is simple—you should know how to distinguish what is right from what is wrong.” He tells them that it is essential to have strength of character, to stick to your convictions. After reciting a litany of commandments (“Wag kayong magnakaw, wag kayong magsinungaling . . .”), he caps it off by stating, “TRUTH, FAIRNESS, and JUSTICE.” (I chose to put the words in capital letters to best approximate the largeness of the concepts he was trying to convey at that moment.)
He then gets asked other current affairs questions and answers.
Why did you close the Baywalk?
“They had no building permits; no payment of debts to the city government; loud, blaring music; and prohibition of selling liquor in public places.”
What are your plans for the Metropolitan Museum?
“It’s under the GSIS still. The President gave 50 million last year for its rehabilitation—but to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)—not to the city government. It’s been reported only 18 million is left.”
Do you now regret your “Shame campaign”?
“No, it was successful. The pushers would pack up and leave right after. Sabi nila para akong Hitler dahil katulad daw ng branding ng Jews. Hindi pa daw convicted. Pero pag meron kayong asong mabagsik at nangangagat lalagyan nyo ng ‘Beware of Dog.’ Warning—ano bang masama dun?”
Again, the ZTE scandal . . .
“Silence is an admission of guilt.”
He’s also asked about his favorite food.
(“Simple lang. Nothing ostentatious. Happy na ako sa dalawang ulam: nilagang talong, suka at bagoong, itlog na pula at kamatis, bulalo. . . pero once-a-week lang.”)
The audience draws to a close, and most of the students crowd around the mayor to get pictures with him. One, in particular, asks him if he’s willing to pose for a photograph for her thesis.
“Anytime,” he says, smiling. “Pwedeng gamiting panakot sa daga.”
Everyone laughs at the joke.
“To Pareng Fred,
To the Best Mayor Manila ever have (sic).
Carry on the good work . . . ”
The signature is Joseph Estrada’s, whom he lost the presidency to in 1998. Erap named Lim his DILG secretary during his administration. Although he briefly allied himself with the EDSA 2 forces by showing up, he has since remained a steadfast supporter of the ex-president. After Estrada was convicted of plunder, Lim came out with his own verdict of not guilty.
On the wall of his office, Lim has the picture of Pres. Arroyo. “She’s the president,” he tells me, “and it’s my duty to respect her position.”
