Jordan SC-1 Lito Atienza 2010 A True Statesman

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former Mayor of Manila who owns the record as the only mayor who has served a full term, is one of the most revered 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 testimony on how the former Mayor of Manila has lived his life as a statesman, serving selflessly for the people.
Atienza's early political career started in 1968 as the leader of Democratic Youth Movement,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], (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,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], the former Mayor of Manila had been a staunch 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 fought against and exposed several cases of human abuse of the Marcos regime including the proposed abolition 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 later served 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 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 career as Parliamentary member of the Batasang Pambansa started in 1984,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], 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,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], 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 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 spearheaded major projects which were aimed to benefit the poor, the older citizens, women and children.
After serving full term as Manila Mayor, Atienza was 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 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.