Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Mayor Alfredo Lim Accused Ali Atienza As Drug Addict

The Rotary Club of Manila held a Polo Club Mayoral Debate last April 22, 2010, participated by mayoralty candidates Lim and Atienza. Various social issues were tackled by the competing candidates during the debate. 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. 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. In order to divert the issue, Lim pointed the accusation of drug use towards Ali Atienza, the son of his opponent and a national and international taekwondo competitor. Ali Atienza, who was in the audience, said to Lim that his accusations was impossible considering that he was an international athlete who complied with the strict drug testing procedures prior to competing in the taekwondo arena.

Turning red with embarrassment, Alfredo Lim who had no proof about his accusation, tried to cover his statement by pointing to former Vice Mayor Lacuna as the one who stated it. Ali then went on the stage and lectured Alfredo Lim about his track record as a national 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. He might have dug his grave for he forgot that the audience was a thinking crowd of professional Rotarians. Lim usually gets away with his mediocre style of campaigning when he is facing customary crowd of tricycle drivers, vendors and the likes, but he must consider that he was facing professionals. It is just discouraging to see candidates speaking ill about their competitors. Considering that these candidates are educated, people were expecting an intellectual discussion from them to prove their capabilities to lead.

After the incident, Ali Atienza noted in front of the media that he would be pressing charges against the libelous allegations of Lim. During an interview, the son of Lito Atienza said that as an athlete who has represented the Philippines in many international competitions, it was hurtful for him 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. He also added that he will push the charges even after the election.

With election 2010 nearing, it is normal to hear candidates speaking ill against their competitors. This practice has been around for ages, and has since served as a means to drag their competitors down. However, it should be realized that as public leaders, this practice clearly sends out the message to the voters that what candidates are capable of doing just to be in the position. 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.

The son of mayoralty candidate Lito Atienza is planning to press charges against his father's opponent Alfredo Lim after the current Manila mayor accused him of being a drug addict. The incident took place during the Mayoralty Debate last April 22, 2010 at the Manila Polo Club. Lim dropped the allegations when the topic of drug abuse was tackled. The young Atienza insisted that he would continue the charges even after election 2010 has ended.

-Joel Dumayog

Lito Atienza Is The Best Man To Vote For Manila Mayor

Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza without any doubt is the best man 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. Atienza's pro-poor programs and priority projects have made him one of the most loved and respected leaders in the city's rich political history.

Lito Atienza has accomplished a lot of things than any other 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 transformed and uplifted the lives 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 has built and launched 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 is renowned for being a haven to the most notorious hold-up artists and pickpockets; has seen and witnessed the best peace and order situation under his leadership.During his leadership, the city recorded its lowest crime levels in years due to Atienza's dedication in ridding the whole city of drug traffickers and syndicates, which he believed as the main roots of all crimes in the city.

Atienza has also extended free education and school supplies to public school students.It was also under his leadership that the city's universities and colleges were enhanced 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 tenure has also launched the Manila Youth games, which has benefited a lot of the city's budding and promising athletes. In addition, in support of the city's talented youth, Atienza created free training programs for 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 were also able to enjoy greater benefits from the former mayor's program for the senior citizens which included special services, big discounts and other freebies.

Aside from the improved delivery of basic services which has transformed 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 pushed forward for the beautification and enhancement of the city's old and deteriorating parks and other tourist attractions. One of the most notable projects of the former mayor is the improvement of the city's bay area commonly known as the "Baywalk", which has allowed city residents, as well as local and foreign tourists to enjoy alfresco dining and listening to fine music while watching the world-renowned Manila Bay sunset. It was also during his tenure that the city's navigation and travel were improved due to the drastic improvements made in the city's infrastructure.

Former Mayor of Manila Lito Atienza is the most eligible man to vote for Manila mayor in this coming election 2010. 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. His achievements and countless completed projects and programs are testimonies to his dedication to serving the Manilenos at the best way possible.

-Joel Dumayog

Monday, April 26, 2010

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 paved way for the candidates to tackle various social issues that concerns the city of Manila. 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. 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. Lim, feeling cornered in the discussion, showed resistance to the topic by accusing the son of his opponent, Ali Atienza, a drug addict. 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 then went on the stage and lectured Alfredo Lim about his track record as a national athlete.The mayor, humiliated by his actions, spoke no further as the moderators of the program appeased both parties. Lito Atienza remained calm despite the events and managed to continue 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. As hard as he might have tried though, Lim have already left an impression toward the thinking crowd of professional Rotarians. Lim usually gets away with his mediocre style of campaigning when he is facing customary crowd of tricycle drivers, vendors and the likes, but he must consider that he was facing professionals. It is just disheartening to see how this form of unintelligent debate can take place. As professionals, people were expecting a more academic and intellectual discussions from the candidates.

Ali Atienza will not easily let go of Lim's allegations, stating that he would be filing a libel case against the mayor. During an interview, the son of Lito Atienza said that as an athlete who has represented the Philippines in many international competitions, it was hurtful for him to be accused of being a drug addict. The young Atienza also pointed out that it was really impossible for an athlete to compete if he has been found using illicit drugs, making Lim's accusations a look more like fabricated story. 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 nearing, it is normal to hear candidates speaking ill 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. The people wants to have a leader who knows how to walk the talk and not just to talk and talk.

With the election 2010 coming, the Rotary Club of Manila held a mayoralty debate at the Manila Polo Club. Mayoralty candidates Alfredo Lim and Lito Atienza attended the said program. However, what appears to be a simple debate turned sour after Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim accused the son of his opponent, Ali Atienza, a drug user. The allegation directed by Lim caused a bit of hysteria among the audience, and angered the young Atienza and their family's supporters.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Lito Atienza: The Best Mayor Manila Has Had

Actions echoes louder than words. In the case of former Manila mayor Lito Atienza he was able to do both. One of the most admired leaders of the nation's capital, the former mayor succeeded in backing up his strong words with actions. Staying true to his words and fulfilling his promise of providing his beloved Manilenos with a city that they can truly call their own and which they will care for, Lito Atienza has done more things than any of his immediate predecessors.

One of the most accomplished mayors in Manila's rich political history, Lito Atienza's profile as city mayor is decorated with numerous completed projects and other countless achievements no other city mayor of Manila has accomplished. No one has to go that far in evaluating Atienza's performance as the city mayor of Manila for an unprecedented three consecutive three-year term, we just have to look back at how Manila looked and the living of conditions its residents were three years ago. The Atienza administration is best described by the dramatic transformation in the city's economy, tourism, peace and order and education. Moreover, it was during Atienza's leadership when thousands of poor families were uplifted from poverty and enjoyed improved living conditions.

Being a true statesman and public servant serving selflessly for the good of many, Atienza delivered what was needed by many of his impoverished city folks. It was also under his leadership that the city's delivery of social services was at its best. Atienza outlined pro-poor programs and priority projects which have benefited and enhanced the lives of thousands of impoverished Manilenos.He was able to address almost all the social needs of his people through the creation of programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

Atienza created livelihood programs and employment opportunities for the unemployed by bringing the city's economy back into life. He provided training programs and vocational courses for the out of school youth and unemployed to give them a decent livelihood and a stable source of income.Atienza together with other non-government organizations have launched affordable housing and land acquisition projects for the homeless, which were able to benefit many of the city's poor residents and even the middle class.

The city's healthcare services and public hospitals were also enhanced during his administration. Atienza added more funds for the city's public hospitals and health centers which allowed them 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. Atienza has provided free medical services and medicines to far-flung areas and barangays.

Manila during Atienza's term also experienced the best peace and order situation in many years. In support of Manila's budding athletes and promising talents, Atienza promoted sports-culminating activities and free training and development programs to harness their skills and talents. In addition, Atienza also extended free access to education and school supplies to Manila's public school students.Manila's colleges and universities were also improved during his term, as part of fulfilling his promise of providing quality and affordable college education to Manilenos. Furthermore, the city's senior residents were also provided with greater benefits under the former mayor's program for the senior citizens which included special services, big discounts and other freebies.

The former environment secretary also voted for the relocation of the oil depot in Pandacan which he believes is a serious environmental and safety threat.Manila was also provided with a major facelift as Atienza pushed forward for the beautification and enhancement of the city's old and deteriorating parks and other tourist attractions. One of the most remarkable projects of the former mayor is the improvement of the city's bay area commonly known as the "Baywalk", which has allowed city residents, as well as local and foreign tourists to enjoy alfresco dining and listening to fine music while watching the world-renowned Manila Bay sunset.

Atienza's unparalleled accomplishments during his leadership make him as the best person to vote for mayor in this coming Manila elections.If he secures another three-year term in this coming Manila elections, Manila along with its residents are set to enjoy another three glorious years under the leadership of Lito Atienza.

The most eligible person to vote for mayor in this coming Manila election, Lito Atienza is one of the most accomplished mayors in Manila's rich political history. The Atienza administration is best described by the dramatic transformation in the city's economy, tourism, peace and order and education. He succeeded in addressing almost all the social needs of his people by creating programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

Vote Lito Atienza: These Are The Things He Will Do If He Wins

Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza is hoping for another three-year mandate as city mayor of the nation's capital in a courageous effort to continue his commitment in serving his beloved city and the Manilenos. Atienza, one of the most loved leaders of the city vows to continue his flagship programs and priority projects which he was able to successfully launch during his tenure. If all things go his way and if the majority of the Manilenos are wise enough to Vote Lito Atienza, the former mayor has promised to continue pushing for the enhancement and effective delivery of basic social services to the residents of the city. Moreover, Atienza plans on continuing his crusade against poverty and has promised to invest all of his efforts in uplifting and developing the lives of the city's impoverished residents.

If Manila residents would Vote Lito Atienza and would grant him another three-year term, Atienza plans to launch his platform dubbed as "Buhayin Nating Muli Ang Maynila" which is centered on sustaining what he has started during his tenure. In light of this, Atienza has outlined several programs and priority projects, all of which are dedicated for addressing all the basic social needs of the city and its residents. Atienza plans to continue his programs for livelihood and effective delivery of basic social services which has been beneficial to many of the city's impoverished residents during his tenure as city mayor.

To achieve his goal of uplifting the lives of the city's poorest residents, Atienza will launch programs that would stimulate the city's once-vibrant economy. Atienza will try to lure in investors into the city by upgrading the city's infrastructure and peace and order situation. In this way, economic activity in the city will be reinvigorated, which can result into job creation for the city's unemployed residents.Livelihood programs and skills trainings will also be launched to cater the city's unemployed and out of school youth to provide them with a decent livelihood and source of income. Moreover, Atienza will also provide employment opportunities for the city's senior citizens who would still want to be employed.

Apart from providing jobs and employment opportunities, Atienza has also vowed to continue addressing the needs of the residents by including almost all social aspects in his platform. Atienza will launch and continue programs and projects that will include a wide array of social areas including programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, culture and arts, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens. If the Manilenos will Vote Lito Atienza, they will continue to enjoy all the benefits and the services they were able to avail during Atienza's tenure.

If given another three-year mandate as city mayor, Atienza will continue to build affordable housing programs and land acquisition programs both for the homeless impoverished residents and even to the middle class. As part of his efforts in improving the city's healthcare services, Atienza plans to provide more financial resources to the city's public hospitals and health centers.This will allow hospitals to purchase new medical equipment and medicines to be able to provide the Manilenos with quality healthcare and free medicines. Healthcare services will be delivered to every barangay via the "Sama sa Masa", a priority project of Atienza where in doctors conduct free medicines and checkups to every barangay of the city. Atienza has also vowed to continue providing free education and school supplies to the city's public school students.In addition, as part of his efforts in providing quality and affordable college education, Manila's colleges and universities will also be enhanced. Livelihood programs and skills trainings like vocational courses will also be offered to Manila's unemployed and out of school youth.

Atienza will also continue to provide assistance to Manila's budding athletes and talents through the promotion of sports activities and free training and development programs. The city's peace and order situation will also be enhanced and perpetrators of crime and big time drug or crime syndicates will be put into justice.As a former environment czar, Atienza will be pushing for the removal of the oil depot in Pandacan, which he deem as a serious environmental and safety threat to the people residing in the area.Furthermore, Atienza will continue his beautification projects to put Manila back into the tourists' maps and top destinations in the country. Furthermore, Atienza will push forward his beautification projects to put Manila back into the tourists' maps and top destinations in the country. Atienza has promised to enhance and beautify the city's old and deteriorating parks and tourist attractions, just like what he did in Manila's bay area or commonly known as the baywalk.

Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza is seeking another three year mandate to continue his commitment in uplifting the lives of the city's impoverished residents. If Manila residents Vote Lito Atienza, he will continue improve the local government's delivery of basic services and creating livelihood and employment opportunities which he views as the solutions to the poverty incidence in the city. Atienza has vowed to continue his beautification projects just like what he did in he now infamous baywalk

-Francis Go

Friday, April 16, 2010

Lito Atienza And What He Has Done

Actions speak louder than words. In the case of former Manila mayor Lito Atienza he had succeeded in doing both.One of the most admired leaders of the nation's capital, the former mayor succeeded in backing up his strong words with actions. Staying true to his words and fulfilling his promise of providing his beloved Manilenos with a city that they can truly call their own and which they will care for, Lito Atienza has accomplished more things than any of his immediate predecessors.

One of the most accomplished mayors in Manila's rich political history Lito Atienza's mayoralty stint is highlighted by numerous completed projects and other countless achievements no other city mayor of Manila was able to achieve.No one needs to go the distance in grading Atienza's performance as the city mayor of Manila for an unprecedented three consecutive three-year term, we just have to look back at how Manila looked and the living of conditions its residents were three years ago.The Atienza administration is characterized by the radical transformation in the city's economy, tourism, peace and order and education. Moreover, it was during Atienza's leadership when thousands of poor families were uplifted from poverty and enjoyed improved living conditions.

Being a real statesman and public servant serving selflessly for the good of many, Atienza provided almost everything what was needed by many of his impoverished city folks. It was also under his leadership that the city's delivery of social services was at its best. Atienza outlined pro-poor programs and priority projects which have benefited and enhanced the lives of thousands of impoverished Manilenos.He was able to address almost all the social needs of his people through the creation of programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

Atienza created livelihood programs and employment opportunities for the unemployed by bringing the city's economy back into life. He created training programs and vocational courses intended for the out of school youth and unemployed to provide them with a decent livelihood and a stable source of income. Atienza together with other non-government organizations have provided affordable housing and land acquisition programs for the homeless, which have benefited a lot of the city's poor residents and even the middle class.

The city's healthcare services and public hospitals were also enhanced under his leadership.Atienza added more funds for the city's public hospitals and health centers which allowed them 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. Atienza has also brought free medical services and medicines to far-flung areas and barangays.

Manila during the Atienza administration has experienced the best peace and order situation in many years.In support of Manila's budding athletes and promising talents, Atienza launched sports-culminating activities and provided free training and development programs to harness their skills and talents.In addition, Atienza also provided free access to education and school supplies to Manila's public school students. Manila's colleges and universities were also refurbished during his leadership, as part of his efforts in providing quality and affordable college education to Manilenos.Furthermore, many of the city's senior residents were also able to enjoy greater benefits under the former mayor's program for the senior citizens which included special services, big discounts and other freebies.

The former environment secretary also batted for the removal of the oil depot in Pandacan which he believes is a serious environmental and safety threat. Manila was also provided with a major facelift as Atienza pushed forward for the beautification and enhancement of the city's old and deteriorating parks and other tourist attractions. One of the most remarkable projects of the former mayor is the improvement of the city's bay area commonly known as the "Baywalk", which has allowed city residents, as well as local and foreign tourists to enjoy alfresco dining and listening to fine music while watching the world-renowned Manila Bay sunset.

Atienza's unparalleled accomplishments during his leadership make him as the best person to vote for mayor in this coming Manila elections.If he wins another three-year mandate in this coming Manila elections, Manila along with its residents are set to enjoy another three glorious years under the leadership of Lito Atienza.

The most eligible person to vote for mayor in this coming Manila election, Lito Atienza is one of the most accomplished mayors in Manila's rich political history. The Atienza administration is best described by the dramatic transformation in the city's economy, tourism, peace and order and education. He succeeded in addressing almost all the social needs of his people by creating programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

-Jimmy Reyes

Monday, April 12, 2010

Vote Lito Atienza: Why Should We Vote For Him

Former Manila mayor Lito Atienza is seeking another three-year mandate as city mayor of the nation's capital in a bold attempt to continue his commitment in serving his beloved city and the Manilenos. Atienza, one of the most revered leaders of the city plans on continuing his flagship programs and priority projects which he was able to successfully start during his tenure. If all things go his way and if the majority of the Manilenos are wise enough to Vote Lito Atienza, the former mayor has promised to continue pushing for the enhancement and effective delivery of basic social services to the residents of the city. Moreover, Atienza plans on continuing his crusade against poverty and has promised to invest all of his efforts in uplifting and developing the lives of the city's impoverished residents.

If Manila residents would Vote Lito Atienza and would give him another three-year mandate, Atienza will launch his platform dubbed as "Buhayin Nating Muli Ang Maynila" which is centered on continuing what he has started during his tenure. In light of this, Atienza has prepared numerous programs and priority projects, all of which are dedicated for addressing all the basic social needs of the city and its residents. Atienza plans to continue his programs for livelihood and effective delivery of basic social services which has been beneficial to many of the city's impoverished residents during his tenure as city mayor.

To achieve his goal of uplifting the living conditions of the city's poorest residents, Atienza will be launching programs that would stimulate the city's once-vibrant economy.Atienza plans to attract investors into the city by enhancing the city's infrastructure and peace and order situation.In this way, economic activity in the city will be reinvigorated, which can result into job creation for the city's unemployed residents.Livelihood programs and skills trainings will also be provided to the city's unemployed and out of school youth to provide them with a decent livelihood and source of income.Moreover, Atienza also plans on creating employment opportunities for the city's senior citizens who would still want to work.

Apart from providing jobs and employment opportunities, Atienza has also vowed to continue addressing the needs of the residents by including almost all social aspects in his platform. Atienza will be launching and continuing programs and projects that will cover a wide array of social areas including programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, culture and arts, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens. If the Manilenos will Vote Lito Atienza, the benefits and the services they were able to avail during Atienza's term will be continued and sustained for good.

If given another three-year term as city mayor, Atienza plans to create more affordable housing programs and land acquisition programs both for the homeless impoverished residents and even to the middle class. As part of his efforts in upgrading the city's healthcare services, Atienza has vowed to enrich the coffers of the city's public hospitals and health centers. This will allow hospitals to acquire modern medical equipment and medicines to be able to provide the Manilenos with quality healthcare and free medicines.Healthcare services will also be taken into every barangay via the "Sama sa Masa", a flagship project of Atienza where in doctors conduct free medicines and checkups to every barangay of the city.Atienza has also vowed to continue providing free education and school supplies to the city's public school students.In addition, as part of his efforts in providing quality and affordable college education, Manila's colleges and universities will also be enhanced. Livelihood programs and skills trainings like vocational courses will also be presented to Manila's unemployed and out of school youth.

Atienza plans on extending support to Manila's budding athletes and talents through the promotion of sports-culminating activities and free training and development programs.The city's peace and order situation will also be improved and perpetrators of crime and big time drug or crime syndicates will be put into justice. As a former environment czar, Atienza will be pushing for the removal of the oil depot in Pandacan, which he deem as a serious environmental and safety threat to the people residing in the area.Furthermore, Atienza will continue his beautification projects to put Manila back into the tourists' maps and top destinations in the country. Furthermore, Atienza will push forward his beautification projects to put Manila back into the tourists' maps and top destinations in the country. Atienza has promised to enhance and beautify the city's old and deteriorating parks and tourist attractions, just like what he did in Manila's bay area or commonly known as the baywalk.

If Manila residents Vote Lito Atienza, the former Manila mayor plans to continue his dedication and commitment in uplifting the lives of the city's residents. He plans to continue improve the local government's delivery of basic services and creating livelihood and employment opportunities which he views as the solutions to the poverty incidence in the city. Atienza has vowed to continue his beautification projects just like what he did in he now infamous baywalk.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Lito Atienza 2010: People Of Manila Needs Him Back

The Manila Elections has become more exciting and captivating 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 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 holds the record as the only mayor who has served a full term, is one of the most well-cherished leaders in the city's rich political history.Atienza has 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 consists of 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 put under arrest 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 voicing out his dissatisfaction 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 was later employed 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 decide on embarking on 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 active supporter 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 made it to the mayoralty seat and 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 launched major projects which were aimed to benefit the poor, the older citizens, women and children.

After completing a full term as Manila Mayor, Atienza would later serve as the DENR secretary under President Arroyo. As DENR secretary, Atienza started massive 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 gone 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.

Former Mayor of Manila Lito Atienza's unblemished political stint and achievements are clear testaments to his passion in being a public servant and being a true statesman. Atienza deserves to win the Manila Elections 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. Under his banner Lito Atienza 2010, Atienza hopes to continue his work for Manila's folks.