Candidates Lim and Atienza had a debate last April 22, 2010 at the Polo Club Mayoral Debate spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Manila. Various social issues were tackled by the competing candidates during the debate. When the drug problem of Manila was tackled, Lim outlined his strong campaign to prevent the rampant drug trade and use in the city; stating that he incessantly ceased the existence of drugs in Manila during his reign as the city's Mayor. Yet, his opponent Lito Atienza was in doubt of Lim's statements due to the involvement of the mayor's son in selling drugs.

The son of Alfredo Lim, Manuel Lim was busted for selling illegal drugs in 2008 by the authorities. Manila mayor Alfredo Lim conceded that his son was arrested by authorities, but claimed that he did not, in anyway, helped his son with his case. As Lim was placed in the hot seat, he strained the topic by accusing the son of Atienza, Ali Atienza, a national athlete and a gold medalist of the taekwondo Asian games, of being a drug addict himself. Ali Atienza who was in the audience cried foul and called Lim a liar, saying that how can a national athlete, who competes in international games with strict drug testing procedures, be a drug addict?

Lim, embarrassed with his allegations, pointed the blame to former vice mayor Lacuna, claiming that Lacuna was the one who said the gossip. Ali defended himself by bespeaking to Lim about his accolades as an athlete.Lim, at that moment, humiliatingly yield to the fumes of the young Atienza, as the moderators of the debate took control of the situation. Amidst the heated situation, Lito Atienza managed to stay calm and shrug off the issue, and continued with the debate.

Manila mayor Alfredo Lim tried his best to redeem himself from the humiliating accusation he dropped; however, the program ended with antagonism in the air. Unfortunately, Lim must have forgotten that the audience was professional Rotarians. With his mediocre means of campaigning, Lim usually pleases the city's usual crowd but he must have considered that what he was facing during that time were professional individuals who can be critical about his actions. It is just disheartening to see how this form of unintelligent debate can take place. As the upcoming leaders of the city, the public expects more from these candidates than the senseless words coming from their mouths.

After the incident, Ali Atienza noted in front of the media that he would be pressing charges against the libelous allegations of Lim. The son of Lito Atienza said that he was deeply hurt about the allegations dropped by Lim. Ali Atienza also said during the interview that Lim's allegations against him were impossible, as he have been compliant with the strict drug testing procedures imposed for competing athletes. Atienza said that even after the election is over he would continue the case against Lim in order to give justice to his reputation that the mayor has tarnished.

With election 2010 almost near, it has been a normal practice for competing candidates to speak ill against each other. These ill comments is one way for the candidates to pull down their opponents. However, for the candidates, they must also realize that by doing this they are also tarnishing their own reputation in the process. For the record, the public is now tired of drama, what is important is to walk the talk, and not just to talk and talk.