Lito Atienza 2010: A True Statesman

The Manila Elections will be one of the most watched election battlefields as a lot of popular political figures 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 battling his way back 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 years of experience in public service, political will, wisdom, leadership stature and proven and unblemished track record which makes him one of the probable frontrunners in this coming Manila Elections. His resume can present volumes of achievements and innumerable completed projects that have benefited the city residents particularly those who are impoverished. His political career which has lasted 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 in the Martial Law, Atienza was detained 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 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 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 Parliamentary member of the Batasang Pambansa began in 1984, representing the then large 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 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 died as he would decide to 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 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 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 started key projects which were intended 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 massive actions to implement the ill-executed Clean Air Act.Atienza also prioritized injecting a new life to the country's rivers and lakes, working 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.

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