Comebacking former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza has gained the lead over incumbent Mayor Alfredo Lim in the Manila mayoralty race by some seven percentage (7%) points with less than two weeks to go in the campaign for the May 10 elections.

A citywide survey conducted by Manila Research Associates showed Partido ng Masang Pilipino standard bearer former President Joseph Estrada and his runningmate, Makati Mayor Jojo Binay edging out erstwhile frontrunners in the presidential derby.

Interviewed over DZMM, Atienza confirmed the results of the internal survey even as he disclosed that Buhayin ang Maynila bet for Vice Mayor Bonjay Isip likewise grabbed the lead over her rivals for vice mayor.

Atienza added that the same internal survey conducted in the six districts from April 27 to 29, 2010 also showed other Buhayin bets in the winning circle of candidates for other local posts at stake in the upcoming elections in Manila.

In the same interview, Atienza assured that he will continue some of the good works done by the outgoing administration but will also revive other public service programs that greatly benefited Manila residents during his unparralled three straight terms as Mayor.

For instance, Atienza promised to bring back organized vending in the city “pero kailangan na malinis, maayos at may lisensiya ang mga vendors para hindi na sila hinaharass and hinihingan ng kotong.”

Atienza likewise vowed to revive the once thriving baywalk stretch along Roxas Boulevard where Manila residents and tourists used to gather to enjoy the famous sunset, among others.