INC, Muslim Community and Other Religious Groups Supports Lito Atienza

Various religious groups, including the influential Iglesia ni Cristo have endorsed the candidacy of comebacking Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

Apart from INC, Atienza is also being supported by Brother Mike Velarde of El Shaddai, Ustadz Ahmad Barcelom of the Manila Muslim community, Parish Councils of Manila as well as the majority of the city's barangay chairmen, barangay councilors and watchmen and the pro-poor organization People's Movement Against Poverty (PMAP).

It is widely known that the Iglesia ni Cristo has a huge following in the city. With the endorsement of the group, Atienza gains another 5 percent solid votes.

Based on the survey conducted last April 29, Atienza gained a 7 percentage lead against his toughest rival, incumbent Mayor Alfredo Lim. With the INC votes, it can now be considered that Atienza is 12 percent leading against his opponent.

Meanwhile, El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde earlier said Manila needs a pro-life mayor.

“Atienza is not only pro-life, but also pro-good government," he added.

According to Msgr. Mel David, one of Atienza's spiritual advisers, he knows the former Environment secretary too well. “He has a good heart and he is very sincere in wanting to uplift the lives of Manilans. He is pro-God and represents good governance.”

On the other hand, PMAP president Ronald Lumbao said he endorsed the candidacy of Atienza because apart from being a God-fearing person, he believes that the former Environment secretary has a genuine concern to help and improve the plight of the poor.

“His programs answer the needs of the poor community of Manila. He's very much unlike the incumbent mayor who doesn't care about the less fortunate," Lumbao said.

The Muslim community also back Atienza's candidacy, saying he maintains friendship and communication with them despite the difference in belief and religion.

Meanwhile, 650 out of the 897 barangay chairmen, and most of the barangay kagawads and tanods said that they witnessed how the former and present mayor managed the city. They claimed that they were able to prove that Atienza is the one who has a genuine heart to help the people, especially the poor.

Atienza said he is grateful for all the endorsements. He thanked all those who believe in him and his programs and vowed to do his best to improve the quality of life of the Manilans by creating jobs and provide livelihood and other opportunities for all.

Lito Atienza Is The Best Man To Vote For Manila Mayor

Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza by a thousand mile is the best man to vote for mayor of the nation's capital in this coming election 2010.The former DENR secretary boasts of having years of experience in public service, political will, wisdom, leadership stature and proven and unblemished track record which make him the most eligible person to win the much-coveted seat of the city mayor of this once glamorous and beautiful city. Atienza, the only mayor who won three consecutive three-year mandates, is well-admired by the entire city for being a true statesman and a father to all Manilenos, and for serving selflessly for the people of the city. One can just take a closer look at the former mayor's innumerable achievements and various completed projects during his leadership to be able to see a clear picture of how this man has completely dedicated himself in uplifting and changing the lives of the Manilenos particularly the impoverished.

We do not have to go too far to see how Lito Atienza acted during his stint as city mayor. We just have to look at how Manila was and the lives of its residents were three years ago. The Atienza administration is best described by the drastic transformation of the lives and welfare of Manila's poorest residents. Atienza's pro-poor programs and priority projects have turned him into one of the most loved and respected leaders in the city's rich political history.

Lito Atienza has accomplished more things than any other city mayors of Manila, and there is no doubt that he is indeed a true statesman and a dedicated public servant.During his tenure as city mayor; Atienza has transformed and uplifted the lives of the city's poorest residents. Atienza batted for the efficient extension of basic services as evident in the programs and priority projects that he started during his term as city mayor. He was successful in addressing almost all of the social needs of his beloved Manilenos in his programs and priority projects including programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

Atienza built and provided housing projects and land acquisition programs for the city's homeless residents. The former Manila mayor also added more financial resources for the city's public hospitals and health centers, as part of his efforts in improving the city's healthcare services for its residents. This program has enabled public hospitals to acquire new medical equipment and medicines for improved healthcare services and to be able to provide free medicines to the city's impoverished residents.The city of Manila which has earned the distinction of being a haven to the most notorious hold-up artists and pickpockets; has experienced the best peace and order situation under his leadership. During his tenure, the city was able to record its lowest crime levels in years due to Atienza's substantial attempt in eradicating the entire city of drug traffickers and syndicates, which he believed as the main roots of all crimes in the city.

Atienza also provided public school students with free education and school. It was also during his administration that the city's universities and colleges were improved as part of his efforts in providing the city's residents with an affordable and quality college education. The former mayor of Manila during his stint launched the Manila Youth games, which became beneficial to many of the city's budding and promising athletes. In addition, to help the city's talented youth, Atienza provided free training of children who are talented in the fields of music and dance with the help of Manila's top dancers and singers. The city's senior residents were also able to enjoy greater benefits from the former mayor's program for the senior citizens which included special services, big discounts and other freebies.

Aside from the enhanced delivery of basic services which has changed the lives of the poor, Atienza has also out the city of Manila back in the tourists' map and in the list of top tourists' destinations of the country. Atienza has pushed forward for the beautification and enhancement of the city's old and deteriorating parks and other tourist attractions. One of the most popular projects of the former mayor is the development of the city's bay area commonly known as the "Baywalk", which has enabled city residents, as well as local and foreign tourists to enjoy alfresco dining and listening to fine music while enjoying the world-renowned Manila Bay sunset. It was also during his leadership that the city's navigation and travel were made better due to the drastic improvements made in the city's infrastructure.

Former Mayor of Manila Lito Atienza's unblemished tenure as city mayor along with his numerous achievements are clear indications that he is the best man to vote for in this coming election 2010. The former Manila mayor deserves to win the mayoralty seat 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.

-Joel Dumayog