Parish Councils of Manila and Other Groups Supports Mayor Lito Atienza

Various religious groups, including the influential Iglesia ni Cristo have endorsed the candidacy of comebacking Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

Apart from INC, Atienza is also being supported by Brother Mike Velarde of El Shaddai, Ustadz Ahmad Barcelom of the Manila Muslim community, Parish Councils of Manila as well as the majority of the city's barangay chairmen, barangay councilors and watchmen and the pro-poor organization People's Movement Against Poverty (PMAP).

It is widely known that the Iglesia ni Cristo has a huge following in the city. With the endorsement of the group, Atienza gains another 5 percent solid votes.

Based on the survey conducted last April 29, Atienza gained a 7 percentage lead against his toughest rival, incumbent Mayor Alfredo Lim. With the INC votes, it can now be considered that Atienza is 12 percent leading against his opponent.

Meanwhile, El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde earlier said Manila needs a pro-life mayor.

“Lito Atienza is not only pro-life, but also pro-good government," he added.

According to Msgr. Mel David, one of Atienza's spiritual advisers, he knows the former Environment secretary too well. “He has a good heart and he is very sincere in wanting to uplift the lives of Manilans. He is pro-God and represents good governance.”

On the other hand, PMAP president Ronald Lumbao said he endorsed the candidacy of Atienza because apart from being a God-fearing person, he believes that the former Environment secretary has a genuine concern to help and improve the plight of the poor.

“His programs answer the needs of the poor community of Manila. He's very much unlike the incumbent mayor who doesn't care about the less fortunate," Lumbao said.

The Muslim community also back Atienza's candidacy, saying he maintains friendship and communication with them despite the difference in belief and religion.

Meanwhile, 650 out of the 897 barangay chairmen, and most of the barangay kagawads and tanods said that they witnessed how the former and present mayor managed the city. They claimed that they were able to prove that Atienza is the one who has a genuine heart to help the people, especially the poor.

Atienza said he is grateful for all the endorsements. He thanked all those who believe in him and his programs and vowed to do his best to improve the quality of life of the Manilans by creating jobs and provide livelihood and other opportunities for all.

Alfredo Lim Lose His Cool, Accused The Son of Lito Atienza As Drug User

Candidates Lim and Atienza had a debate last April 22, 2010 at the Polo Club Mayoral Debate spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Manila. The debate was a heated one, with both candidates exchanging ideas on various social issues. When the discussion went to the issue of drugs, Lim noted his accomplishments against drug trade and use during his tenure as the city mayor. Lito Atienza, Lim's opponent for the election, was unconvinced of Lim's statements following the arrest of Lim's son for selling drugs.

It could be recalled that the son of Lim, Manuel Lim was apprehended in 2008 for selling illicit drugs, a nonbailable offense that also carries life imprisonment. Lim, current Manila mayor, did admit that his son was caught by the PDEA, but claimed that he did not lift a finger to help his son. 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. The young Atienza who was in the audience called Lim a liar, as it was impossible for a former athlete like him, who competed in international games, to 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.The mayor, humiliated by his actions, spoke no further as the moderators of the program appeased both parties. Lito Atienza on the other hand, kept his cool and went on with the debate despite his son being accused by his competitor as a drug user.

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 sad to see how a low and unintelligent debate like this can go. 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 noted that it pained him, as a former athlete, to be accused of being a drug addict. 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. Even after the election, Atienza is decided to file charges against Lim to protect his reputation.

As election 2010 is just around the corner, it has been a norm for candidates to speak something negative against their competitors. This practice has been around for ages, and has since served as a means to drag their competitors down. However, for the candidates, they must also realize that by doing this they are also tarnishing their own reputation in the process. This is because the public has already given up with the ongoing political drama, and prefer leaders who knows how to walk the talk over those who talks and talks.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim is caught under public scrutiny after he accused the son of Lito Atienza for being a drug addict. The incident took place during the Mayoralty Debate arranged by the Rotary Club of Manila last April 22 2010. The allegation dropped by Lim angered Ali Atienza, and told the media after the debate that he is ready to press charges against the Mayor even after election 2010 is over. This event could seriously affect Lim's candidacy.

Lito Atienza: Why We Should Vote For Him Again

Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza without any doubt is the most eligible person to vote for mayor of the nation's capital in this coming election 2010. The former DENR secretary possess years of experience in public service, political will, wisdom, leadership stature and proven and unblemished track record which make him the most eligible person to win the much-coveted seat as the city mayor of this once glamorous and beautiful city.Atienza, the only mayor who won for three consecutive three-year terms, is revered by the whole city for being a true statesman and a father to all Manilenos, and for having served selflessly for the people of the city.One can just take a look at the former mayor's numerous achievements and countless completed projects during his tenure to be able to see clearly how this man has completely dedicated himself in uplifting and changing the lives of the Manilenos particularly the impoverished.

We do not have to go that far to see how Lito Atienza performed during his tenure as city mayor. We just have to look at how Manila was and the lives of its residents were three years ago. The Atienza administration is best described by the drastic transformation of the lives and welfare of Manila's poorest residents. Atineza's pro-poor programs and priority projects have earned him the recognition as one of the most loved and respected leaders in the city's rich political history.

Lito Atienza is one of the most accomplished city mayors of Manila, and there is no doubt that he is indeed a true statesman and a dedicated public servant. During his tenure as city mayor; Atienza has significantly transformed and enhanced the living conditions of the city's poorest residents.Atienza pushed for the effective delivery of basic services as evident in the programs and priority projects that he started during his term as city mayor. He addressed and included all of the social needs of his beloved Manilenos in his programs and priority projects including programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

Atienza built and provided housing projects and land acquisition programs for the city's homeless residents. The former Manila mayor also added more financial resources for the city's public hospitals and health centers, as part of his efforts in improving the city's healthcare services for its residents. This move has allowed public hospitals to purchase new medical equipment and medicines for enhanced healthcare services and to be able to provide free medicines to the city's impoverished residents. The city of Manila which has earned the distinction of being a haven to the most notorious hold-up artists and pickpockets; has experienced the best peace and order situation under his leadership. During his tenure, the city was able to record its lowest crime levels in years due to Atienza's substantial attempt in eradicating the entire city of drug traffickers and syndicates, which he believed as the main roots of all crimes in the city.

Atienza also provided public school students with free education and school. It was also during his tenure that the city's universities and colleges were improved as part of his efforts in providing the city's residents with an affordable and quality college education.The former mayor of Manila during his stint launched the Manila Youth games, which became beneficial to many of the city's budding and promising athletes. In addition, in support of the city's talented youth, Atienza provided free training of children who are talented in the fields of music and dance with the help of Manila's top dancers and singers. The city's senior residents have also benefited from the former mayor's program for the senior citizens which included special services, big discounts and other freebies.

Aside from a better delivery of basic services which has improved the lives of the poor, Atienza has also put the city of Manila back in the tourists' map and in the list of top tourists' destinations of the country.Atienza has also prioritized for the beautification and development of the city's old and deteriorating parks and other tourist attractions.One of the most popular projects of the former mayor is the development of the city's bay area commonly known as the "Baywalk", which has enabled city residents, as well as local and foreign tourists to enjoy alfresco dining and listening to fine music while enjoying the world-renowned Manila Bay sunset. It was also during his leadership that the city's navigation and travel were made better due to the drastic improvements made in the city's infrastructure.

Former Mayor of Manila Lito Atienza's unblemished tenure as city mayor along with his numerous achievements are clear indications that he is the best man to vote for in this coming election 2010. The former Manila mayor deserves to win the mayoralty seat anew due to his outstanding achievements as a public servant and his vast experience and knowledge on being a true statesman who works for the greater good of people.

Lito Atienza 2010: Manila Needs Her Mayor Back

The Manila Elections has turned into a more interesting and intriguing one as a lot of political heavyweights have thrown their hats into the battle of becoming the all powerful Mayor of Manila.Among these political heavyweights who joined the mayoralty battle for the city is former Mayor of Manila and DENR Secretary Lito Atienza and his Lito Atienza 2010 platform.Under his banner Lito Atienza 2010, the former Mayor of Manila is starting for a comeback bid at the mayoralty seat after serving a full term as City Mayor and a brief stint as DENR secretary.

The former Mayor of Manila who owns the record as the only mayor who has served a full term, is one of the most revered leaders in the city's rich political history. Atienza boasts of having years of experience in public service, political will, wisdom, leadership stature and proven and unblemished track record which makes him one of the probable frontrunners in this coming Manila Elections. His resume can present volumes of achievements and innumerable completed projects that have benefited the city residents particularly those who are impoverished. His political career that has lasted for more than four decades now is a clear demonstration on how the former Mayor of Manila has lived his life as a statesman, serving selflessly for the people.

Atienza's early political career started in 1968 as the leader of Democratic Youth Movement, (DEYMO) wherein he became one of those who survived the infamous Plaza Miranda bombing during the Liberal Party's political rally in 1971. Since then, the former Mayor of Manila had been a staunch detractor of the Marcos administration.When the country was under the Martial Law, Atienza was arrested for his role as the leader of Metro Manila Jeepney Drivers Organization, which was the first ever organization of Jeepney Drivers. Atienza fought against and exposed several human abuses of the Marcos regime including the proposed eradication of jeepneys plying the avenues of Metro Manila as part of Imelda Marcos' beautification drive.

Despite airing his discontent with the Marcos administration, Atienza held the position as Barangay Captain for ten years after serving as a tanod before which enabled him to hear the voices of ordinary people more. The former Mayor of Manila later served as at the Information Office of Manila City Hall under former mayor Ramon Bagatsing and later resigned due to conflict of principles and his work. Atienza would later embark a bold journey as he seek a Parliamentary seat despite having no financial support at all. Instead, Atienza relied on his principles and support from his family and friends which were enough to win him a seat in the Parliament at that time.

His profession as a Parliamentary member of the Batasang Pambansa started in 1984, representing the then vast Congressional District of Manila which include the districts of Paco, Pandacan, San Andres Bukid, Sta. Ana, Santa Mesa. He was known as an ally of Sen. Ninoy Aquino and one of the opposition stalwarts who convinced Cory Aquino to run for president. After Marcos was repulsed during the People Power Revolution of 1986, the former Mayor of Manila agreed to lead the National Housing Authority where he promoted affordable housing for teachers and policemen.After a brief career at the NHA as General Manger, Atienza opted to join the 1988 mayoralty race of Manila where he lost to his then rival Mel Lopez who was supported by President Aquino.Despite a losing effort, his spirit and will to serve was never crushed as he would later run and win as Vice-Mayor in 1992 and 1995.

In 1998 Manila Elections, Atienza finally broke into the mayoralty seat and successfully created history as the only Vice Mayor who got elected as city mayor.Atienza was celebrated for expressing his strong opposition in the reclamation of the city's part of Roxas Boulevard/Manila Bay.The former Mayor of Manila was also able to transform and beautify much of entire city's former tourist attractions along with the lives and welfare of the city folks. Atienza also devised major projects which were aimed to benefit the poor, the older citizens, women and children.

After serving full term as Manila Mayor, Atienza was appointed as the DENR secretary under President Arroyo.As DENR secretary, Atienza started substantial effort to execute the ill- executed Clean Air Act.Atienza also invested his efforts on giving a new life to the country's rivers and lakes, partnering with several environment groups including the Laguna Lake Development Authority and ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan.He has also ordered the crackdown on illegal logging operations in the countryside and has also ordered the closures of open dumpsites as part of his drive in protecting our country's natural resources.

Being Mayor of Manila is a great responsibility since it would mean running the nation's capital and seat of power. No one more deserves to hold the position as city mayor than former mayor Lito Atienza. Atienza under his Lito Atienza 2010 banner deserves to win the Manila Elections for the fourth time since he is the most accomplished and experienced among other bets. Atienza's unblemished political career is a clear testament to his passion in being a public servant.

-Joel Dumayog