Thousands of supporters attended Monday’s national convention of the Kapayapaan, Katarungan, Kaunlaran (KKK) political party at the Bonifacio Shrine near the Manila City hall to kick off the reelection bid of Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim.

Founded by Lim on Nov. 28, 1997, the KKK has endorsed the presidential bid of Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and his running mate, Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas.

The convention officially launched the coalition of the KKK and the LP in next year’s election and its support for the Aquino-Roxas ticket.

It also formalized the proclamation of Lim’s candidacy for another term as mayor and that of his running mate, incumbent Vice Mayor Isko Moreno.

The vicinity of the Bonifacio Shrine and the Manila City Hall was closed to traffic to give way to the convention.

The Manila Police District (MPD) designated the stretch of Munoz Palma St. from A. Villegas to P. Burgos streets as parking areas for dignitaries who attended the rally.

Over 20 buses filled with KKK members and supporters were also parked near the rally site, including the grounds of the Mehan Garden, Manila Library, and Veterans Compound.

Before the start of the convention, the party members assembled at the corner of N. A. Lopez and P. Burgos streets and marched to the Bonifacio Shrine.

In his speech, Lim endorsed the Aquino-Roxas ticket as the one that can provide the leadership the country needs in these difficult times.

He praised both Aquino and Roxas for being “towering examples of integrity and honesty in public service.”

Aquino, for his part, called on his supporters in Manila to re-elect Lim, citing his excellent leadership in running the affairs of the premier city.

The reciprocal expressions of support was contained in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) forged between Lim’s Laban para sa Kapayapaan, Katarungan at Kaunlaran and the Liberal Party that formalized their coalition Monday afternoon.

According to the MoU, the two parties share a common commitment to fight for righteousness and decency to “insure the preservation of a just and humane society”. Both parties are firm believers of a “true state of moral ascendancy, dignity, sincerity, clean and honest governance to insure the liberty and happiness of the Filipino people.”

The agreement added that “there is a need to combine all the resources and struggles of both parties to realize the cherished dreams of the Filipino people for a real change in government and society.”

The LP and KKK vowed to “wage a common and relentless struggle as a unified political force” to bring about changes in the country.

The MoU signing was held at the Bonifacio Shrine after KKK party convention. Also in attendance were LP Chairman and former Senate President Franklin Drilon and LP Secretary and Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya.

Lim was accompanied by KKK President Justice Rodolfo G. Palattao and KKK Secretary General Atty. Ariel Joseph B. Arias.

In the morning, Lim formally opened a “Democracy in Yellow” painting exhibit at the Lacson Underpass, which is a tribute to the late President Corazon Aquino. The exhibit was held exactly 100 days after Mrs. Aquino passed away.

Tuesday, the exhibition will be taken to the Rodriguez Hall of the Manila City Hall.