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.