The Manila Elections is expected to draw the most attention among other election hotspots as a lot of political heavyweights have thrown their hats into the battle of becoming the all powerful Mayor of Manila.Among the notable political figures who joined the mayoralty race 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 shot 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 completed a full term, is one of the most well-loved 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 are testimonies of his achievements and countless 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 vocation 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 has been a vocal critic of the abuses committed by the Marcos administration 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 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 embark a bold journey 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 ally of Sen. Ninoy Aquino and one of the opposition stalwarts who convinced Cory Aquino to run for president. After Marcos was ousted during the People Power Revolution of 1986, the former Mayor of Manila was appointed to run the National Housing Authority where he promoted affordable housing for teachers and policemen. After a brief tenure as the NHA General Manger, Atienza decided to join the 1988 mayoralty race 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 won mayoralty seat and placed his name in history as the only Vice Mayor who got elected as city mayor As the Mayor of Manila. 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 change and has given a face-lift to 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 serving full term as Manila Mayor, Atienza would later 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 paid attention 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 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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