Baywalk hot issue in mayoral race

MANILA, Philippines--The Baywalk, that seaside stretch along Manila’s famous Roxas Boulevard, is getting to be a hot election issue in Manila, with Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and his predecessor, former Environment Secretary Lito Atienza issuing opposing statements about how it should be used.
The Baywalk was a project of Atienza when he was mayor of the city. He has vowed to rebuild the strip—once full of restaurants and the scene of lively concerts—that have since been demolished (and banned) by Lim, if he regains the city’s top post in 2010.
“He wants it back? That means the return of beerhouses, girls in skimpy attire, and loud bands that compete with the traffic as far as noise is concerned,” said Lim, in reaction to Atienza’s statement that he would bring the Baywalk back.

Lim said he ordered the demolition of structures in the area in 2007 following complaints from Malate residents who protested against the noise coming from the bars and restaurants.
Lim admitted that at first, Atienza’s idea was applauded, but several months later, complaints started coming in after beerhouses sprouted one after the other.
“Nearby residents, including those living in condominiums and hotel guests said they could not sleep because of the loud music from bands playing in some establishments,” Lim said.
He added that he banned the sale of liquor in the strip because of an ordinance prohibiting the drinking of alcoholic beverages in public places.
The mayor also blamed the stalls for adding trash to the already polluted Manila Bay.
“Since the structures there were demolished, more people, families especially, go there to relax, enjoy and appreciate the unobstructed view of the famed Manila Bay sunset,” Lim said.
He added that an estimated P7 million in unpaid dues has yet to be collected by the Manila City Treasurer’s Office from bar owners that used to operate on Baywalk.