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 the popular political personalities 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 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 has years of experience in public service, political will, wisdom, leadership stature and proven and unblemished track record which makes him one of the anticipated and probable winner 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 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.
Lito Atienza got involved with politics early 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 known as 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 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 airing his discontent 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. Lito Atienza would later embark a bold journey as he seek 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 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 staunch supporter and ally of Sen. Ninoy Aquino and one of the key opposition leaders who influenced 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 losing, his spirit and will to serve was never conquered 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 his strong resistance 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, Lito Atienza would later be appointed as the DENR secretary under President Arroyo.As DENR secretary, Atienza prioritized massive effort to implement 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 ordered the crackdown on 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.
Being Mayor of Manila is a great responsibility since it would mean running the nation's capital and seat of power. No one more deserves to hold the position as city mayor than former mayor Lito Atienza. Atienza under his Lito Atienza 2010 banner deserves to win the Manila Elections for the fourth time since he is the most accomplished and experienced among other bets. Atienza's unblemished political career is a clear testament to his passion in being a public servant.
-Joel Dumayog
No comments:
Post a Comment