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 bigwigs who joined the mayoralty competition 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 gunning 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 is the record-holder as the only mayor who has completed a full term, is one of the most well-loved leaders in the city's rich political history. Atienza boasts of having many years of experience in public service, political will, wisdom, leadership stature and proven and unblemished track record which makes him one of the expected frontrunners in this coming Manila Elections. His resume can speak volumes of achievements and countless completed projects that have benefited the city residents particularly those who are impoverished. His political career spanning for more than four decades now is a clear indication on how the former Mayor of Manila has lived his life as a statesman, serving selflessly for the people.
Atienza began his 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 vocal critic 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 defended the people from the abuses 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 voicing his displeasure with the Marcos administration, Atienza was elected 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 worked 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 go on board on his political voyage as he seek a Parliamentary seat despite having no financial support at all. Instead, Atienza depended heavily 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 active supporter of Sen. Ninoy Aquino and one of the opposition stalwarts who convinced Cory Aquino to run for president. After Marcos was booted during the People Power Revolution of 1986, the former Mayor of Manila was ordered to head the National Housing Authority where he promoted affordable housing for teachers and policemen.After a short stay as NHA General Manger, Atienza would later join the 1988 mayoralty elections of Manila where he lost to his then rival Mel Lopez who was supported by President Aquino.Despite the loss, his spirit and will to serve was never defeated as he would later run and win as Vice-Mayor in 1992 and 1995.
In 1998 Manila Elections, Atienza finally made it to the mayoralty seat and history as the only Vice Mayor who got elected as city mayor. Atienza was renowned 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 improve and beautify much of entire city's former tourist attractions along with the lives and welfare of the city folks. Atienza also started key projects which were intended to benefit the poor, the older citizens, women and children.
After completing his term as Manila Mayor, Atienza was appointed to serve as the DENR secretary under President Arroyo. As DENR secretary, Atienza started substantial effort to execute the ill- executed Clean Air Act. Atienza also ventured on breathing a new life to the country's rivers and lakes, as he worked closely with several environment groups including the Laguna Lake Development Authority and ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan.He has also run after 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.
The Manila Elections is vital since the winner would hold power to the nation's capital. Former Mayor of Manila Lito Atienza deserves to win another term as city mayor 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. Under his Lito Atienza 2010 banner, Atienza is the most competent and well-loved leaders of the city which makes him a formidable mayoralty bet.
-Joel Dumayog
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