MANIFESTO

A Manifesto Opposing The Appointment of Mr. Alberto Lim

As Secretary of the Department of Tourism

WHEREAS, We, the undersigned members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, Aklan Chapter, with our respective municipalities, hereby state in the strongest possible terms our vehement objection to the statements of Secretary Alberto Lim on Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan;

WHEREAS, the statement of the newly appointed Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim published in the July 10, 2010 issue, page A4 of the Philippine Daily Inquirer which, in turn, was also shown in www.yahoo.com which has international exposure and repercussion on the issue of "over commercialization and over development in the island resort of Boracay," the world renown tourists destination in the Philippines, is not only irresponsible but equally malicious statement that should not have come from the alter ego of the President who is in charge of the protection and promotion of national patrimony and the tourism industry of the country;

WHEREAS, such reckless and spiteful imputation on the unfounded state or grim condition falsely painted in the national and international psyche about the island of Boracay does not only reflect of the mediocrity of a national official who is supposed to manage and oversee the tourism industry of the country but it likewise speaks of a person with vested interest in promoting his other favored tourist destinations at the expense of destroying the good image of Boracay Island in the eyes of the world;

WHEREAS, if the newly appointed Tourism Secretary is really and seriously concerned of his task in making saleable our tourism industry in the country, he should stop issuing statements that could spell havoc to the tourism business in Boracay for whether he accepts it or not, the fact remains that the island of Boracay is the only show window of the tourism industry in the Philippines; instead, Sec. Lim should come to Boracay to see for himself and know what are the causes that make Boracay what it is today;

WHEREAS, Sec. Alberto Lim does not comprehend the impact of his irresponsible and malicious statement to the whole economic well-being of Boracay Island in particular and also of the entire province of Aklan in general thus, such shallow person should not be given a primary position as Secretary of Tourism in the officialdom of the present administration of President Aquino;

WHEREFORE, premises considered, we, the undersigned members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, Aklan Chapter, comprised of 17 mayors of the seventeen (17) municipalities in the province of Aklan, hereby interpose strong objection and opposition to the appointment of Mr. Alberto Lim as Secretary of Tourism;

THEREFORE, it is most respectfully prayed to His Excellency President (Benigno C.) Aquino to immediately recall the appointment of Secretary Alberto Lim.

FURTHERMORE, the Commission on Appointments is hereby implored to deny the Confirmation of his appointment as Tourism Secretary.

(Sgd.) MAYOR EDGAR R. PERALTA
New Washington, Aklan

(Sgd.) MAYOR DENNY REFOL
Altavas, Aklan

(Sgd.) MAYOR DELFINA R. RAMOS
Batan, Aklan

(Sgd.) MAYOR VICTOR L. FERNANDEZ
Lezo, Aklan

(Sgd.) MAYOR REX T. GUBATINA
Madalag, Aklan

(Sgd.) MAYOR JOHN P. YAP
Malay, Aklan

(Sgd.) MAYOR ROMEO M. DALISAY
Nabas, Aklan

(Sgd.) MAYOR ADOLFO M. ILIGAN
Numancia, Aklan

(Sgd.) MAYOR MA. LOURDES M. MIRAFLORES
Ibajay, Aklan

(Sgd.) MAYOR TEODORO V. CALIZO, JR.
Balete, Aklan

(Sgd.) MAYOR QUEZON P. LABINDAO
Buruanga, Aklan

(Sgd.) MAYOR CHARITO I. NAVAROSA
Libacao, Aklan

(Sgd.) MAYOR RAMON S. LEGASPI, JR.
Makato, Aklan

(Sgd.) GENE T. FUENTES
Tangalan, Aklan

(Sgd.) MAYOR WILLIAM S. LACHICA
Kalibo, Aklan

(Sgd.) MAYOR ANTONIO MAMING
Banga, Aklan