Atienza quits DENR post to focus on 2010 bid
12/28/2009 | 11:20 PM
Environment Secretary Joselito “Lito” Atienza on Monday resigned from his post to focus on reviving his political career.
“Effective today [Monday], I have rendered my resignation in the Cabinet so that I can concentrate my efforts to prepare for the elections,” Atienza said at a press briefing.
He said he decided to leave the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) “out of delicadeza and practical needs.”
“I cannot divide my time between my functions with the DENR and requirements in preparing for a campaign. It is best that all aspiring for a new position should resign,” he said.
Atienza will run for mayor in Manila next year, a position he previously held for several terms. He will be running against incumbent mayor Alfredo Lim, a former senator, and former national police chief Avelino Razon Jr.
Other Cabinet officials who have left their posts to prepare for their political plans in 2010 were Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (national defense), Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. (public works and highways), Anthony Golez (deputy presidential spokesman), Ralph Recto (socioeconomic and planning), Edu Manzano (Optical Media Board), and Razon (presidential adviser on the peace process).
Atienza said he had informed President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo about his decision two weeks ago. The President, however, is yet to name his replacement.
Asked on his platforms, Atienza said it would definitely include the controversial Pandacan oil depot and the Baywalk area. “That oil depot must go, and I will also fight for the revival of the Baywalk area,” he said. – KBK, GMANews.TV
US pro-life group honors Atienza with an award
Manila Bulletin, July 9, 2007
One of the biggest pro-life organizations in the United States has conferred on former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza the Human Life Achievement Award for his sustained advocacy of pro-life issues and his decades of public service that consistently championed the sanctity of human life and human development.
The Human Life International (HLI) gave the Achievement Award to the three-term city mayor in ceremonies held at the Army Navy Country Club in Virginia, US, over the weekend.
Mayor Atienza was the first Filipino local official to receive the prestigious award from HLI President Fr. Thomas Euteneuer, with the whole Board of Directors and Pro-Life supporters giving the three-term Manila mayor a standing ovation during the event.
In giving the award, the HLI specifically cited Mayor Atienza’s successful Buhayin ang Maynila urban renewal and development program which uplifted the lives of Manilans in all aspects, including more and better opportunities for residents anchored on the propagation of life.
Fr. Euteneuer stressed that while Mayor Atienza provided good governance for Manilans during his administration, he also successfully promoted the value and sanctity of human life which should be emulated by all.
Even before he entered public service in the 1970s, Mayor Atienza had been deeply involved in Pro-Life advocacy and humanitarian work, which has been recognized by various award-giving bodies here and abroad.
