The Manila Elections has become more interesting and intriguing 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 staging 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 what it takes to become the new mayor of the city including 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's early political career began 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. During the Martial Law era, Atienza was put in detention 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 being vocal about his dismay with the Marcos administration, Lito Atienza was voted as Barangay Captain for ten years after serving as a tanod before which allowed him to listen to the voices and reservations of ordinary people more.The former Mayor of Manila was employed later at the Information Office of Manila City Hall with former mayor Ramon Bagatsing and later resigned due to conflict of principles and his work.Atienza would later continue his political career as he seeked for a Parliamentary seat despite having no financial support at all.Instead, Atienza banked 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 stint as Parliamentary member of the Batasang Pambansa begun 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 a known staunch ally of Sen. Ninoy Aquino and one of the opposition stalwarts who persuaded Cory Aquino to run for president. After Marcos was deposed during the People Power Revolution of 1986, the former Mayor of Manila was selected to organize 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, he never lost his spirit and his desire to serve flourished even more 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 popularly known 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 his stint as full term Manila Mayor, Atienza would later be appointed as the DENR secretary under President Arroyo.As DENR secretary, Atienza started massive effort to execute the ill- executed Clean Air Act. Atienza also focused 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 went after illegal logging operations in the countryside and has also closed 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.
-Joel Dumayog
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