Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said on Thursday he would seek the lifting of Hong Kong’s travel advisory against the Philippines, which has cited, among other reasons, the bloody hostage-taking at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park three years ago.
“Next month I’m going to Beijing. On the way home I will stop by Hong Kong. Papakiusapan ko na i-lift ang travel ban (I’ll ask the authorities there to lift the travel ban),” Estrada told reporters at the sidelines of the program marking his 100 days in office.
“In the first place, they only want the mayor to apologize. Even if I am not the mayor then, I will apologize in behalf of the people of Manila for the unfortunate incident,” Estrada said.
Alfredo Lim was the local chief executive when relieved police officer Rolando Mendoza took hostage some 20 Hong Kong tourists on a bus on Aug. 23, 2010. Mendoza and eight hostages were killed when a gun fight ensued after negotiations broke down.
In his “Report sa Masa” held in Manila Hotel to mark his 100 days as mayor, Estrada said he sought the assistance of the Japanese government for the repair of the drainage system in Manila.
“Our drainage systems are clogged. To solve our problem of flooding, this entails a great deal of money which our government unfortunately does not have,” Estrada said.
He said he went to Japan to strengthen the sister city relationship with Yokohama, a port city like Manila and where one of the biggest Chinatowns can be found.
As with his visit to Beijing next month, Estrada seeks to turn Binondo into “not only an authentic Chinatown, but a progressive and dynamic district where jobs and livelihood opportunities could be made available.”
Estrada thanked the city government’s private partners in projects like the Wi-Fi equipped bus stops and solar-powered LED streetlamps.
He mentioned the ban on colorum buses, creation of the Divisoria night market, clearing operations and drive against illegal gambling as the programs undertaken by the city government that did not require funding.
Estrada said 161 police operations had been carried out against various forms of illegal gambling which has resulted in the arrest of 209 persons.