Atienza said that he was very overwhelmed by the love and support that he has been receiving, especially from the Manilans.

“Thank you very much. Victory is now within my reach,” he said. “I am overwhelmed by the support I am getting from everyone. I feel loved by the people of Manila. And I am very, very grateful. Thank you….thank you very much.”

With only three days to go, it’s already easy to see who will win in the mayoral elections in Manila if one gauges it with the way the thousands of Manila residents welcome the motorcades of Atienza and his runningmate, Bonjay-Isip.

“It’s chilling to see how the people excitedly welcome us every time they see us,” Atienza said.

According to Atienza’s supporters who accompany him during motorcades around the streets of Manila, the people zealously welcome him wherever he goes.

“I will fulfill my responsibilities as the father of the city and I will ensure that all my programs for Manila, especially for the poor, will be achieved. I am indebted to you for your trust and support. With the help of the Almighty Father, we will succeed,” he said.

Thus said Ali Atienza, campaign manager of Mayor Lito Atienza, following reports that Lim’s camp have been blaming them for the proliferation of “red cards” carrying the pictures of Atienza and Bonjay and were intended to confuse voters regarding the place and number of their respective precincts.

Ali said this is again one of the dirty tactics of Dirty Harry meant to make the people angry at them, just like what Lim did during the 2007 elections.

“They’ve already done this to us before—they gave away cellphone cards with my picture to the media people. But the cellcards were empty, making me look bad. Now they’re doing it again,” the younger Atienza said.

Ali added that Lim should use common sense, saying that if they were indeed the ones behind the proliferation of the red cards, they wouldn’t bother placing the pictures of Atienza and Bonjay knowing that the people would get mad at them.

Ali suspects that nobody but Lim’s camp are behind all of these because they couldn’t explain why election results were being prepared at the EDP unit which is under the Office of the Mayor.

“They couldn’t explain the documents found in their office, that’s why they were fabricating issues against us. Why do they already have the election results and the numbers of PCOS machines that are not even delivered yet to the precincts? They should explain all of these,” Ali said.

Ali also called on Manilans and the media not to be swayed by the dirty tactics of Lim’s group.

“We’ve been expecting all of these because they also created a lot of scenarios in 2007 to provoke outrage among the people. I’m sure they will still come up with more foolish ideas, but I know Manilans are intelligent voters. I also trust the media. Lim can no longer fool the people now, they know him too well,” he said.

“Know their precinct numbers, vote early and don’t be fooled by Lim’s dirty tactics,” he advised Manilans.

“Among the good, there is the best. And the best mayor is Lito Atienza,” said Herrera.

For his part, Atienza expressed gratitude to Herrera for the experience and learnings he acquired from him during the latter’s term as the city administrator under the leadership of the late Mayor Ramon Bagatsing in the 1970s. During that time, Atienza was the head of the Manila Information Office.

“There were many good housing, land distribution and livelihood programs being implemented by Mr. Herrera back then. I also learned a lot from him,” said Atienza.

Herrera said he’s confident that the city residents also realize the need to pursue programs under Atienza’s Buhayin ang Maynila, given the latter’s track record as an undefeated mayor for nine years.

He noted that “the people’s desire for order, healthier surroundings, livelihood and jobs for all which he has already provided and will continue to provide, will propel Atienza to victory. Given the political will and genuine desire to help, Atienza can really uplift a lot of the poor, especially with their most basic need—shelter.”

Under Mayor Alfredo Lim’s administration, Herrera said the people can expect nothing when it comes to the issue of land distribution.

“Your humble dream of owning your own small lot and house has been shattered. You can’t expect anything from the incumbent administration” Herrera stressed.

If given another mandate, Atienza said that respect for life and providing the people with their basic needs would be the top priority of his Buhayin ang Maynila Part 2.

Atienza criticized the claims of the incumbent administration that it has been providing the Manilans with health services at city-run hospitals.

“Is there free medicine in the hospitals? None. They will give you a prescription at the emergency units, you’ll have to buy the medicine outside. Whose health does this administration care for? No one’s. It has a lot to answer for in its abuse of taxpayers’ money, in its misuse of public funds,” he said.

A the same time, Atienza also informed the multi-sectoral group about how City Hall employee Nilda Reluya discovered the plot to manipulate election results that would favor Lim in the coming May 10 elections.

“By the grace of God, the fabricated election results were left on the table in the EDP office where Reluya works, and she saw one computer still on. She took a peek and the file read ‘Election 2010-Election Proper,’ and it showed results for the positions of president, vice president, congressman, mayor, vice mayor and city councilors, all showing landslide wins for the incumbent mayor and his partymates,” said Atienza.

“The pieces of paper left on Reluya’s were printouts of election results in the clustered precincts at the Amado V. Hernandez Elementary School in Tondo, where former President Joseph Estrada and his entire ticket in Manila led by Atienza, are heavily favored by the people, both in the campaigns and ratings,” added Herrera.

The Buhayin ang Maynila team suspects that the desperate move of Lim’s camp to rig the election results stems from the the result of the latest survey showing that Atienza is leading among the mayoral candidates—a clear indication that he and his running mate, vice mayoralty bet Bonjay Isip are already “on the road to victory.”

“Will you allow the election results to be altered? I believe that the voice of the people is the voice of God. This should not be tampered, especially by the incumbent mayor. I have full trust and confidence in the process but what they have been doing now in City Hall is highly suspicious,” said Atienza

“We will fulfill your dreams at the soonest possible time. In my nine years as the city mayor, I was able to raise the city’s revenue collection to P8 billion. Thats why from being dark and filthy, Manila became a progressive city,” he added. “Starting July 1, we will bring the smile back in Manila. The residents will have decent dwelling they can call their own. All of these, we will achieve when I come back.”

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.

One of the most accomplished mayors in Manila’s rich political history, Lito Atienza’s profile as city mayor is decorated with numerous completed projects and other countless achievements no other city mayor of Manila has accomplished. No one has to go too far in assessing Atienza’s performance as the city mayor of Manila for an unprecedented three consecutive three-year term, we just have to look back at how Manila looked and the living of conditions its residents were three years ago. The Atienza administration is best described by the dramatic transformation in the city’s economy, tourism, peace and order and education. Moreover, it was during Atienza’s leadership when thousands of poor families were uplifted from poverty and enjoyed improved living conditions.

Being a true statesman and public servant serving selflessly for the good of many, Atienza was able to deliver what was needed by many of his impoverished city folks.It was also under his leadership that the city’s delivery of social services was at its best. Atienza outlined pro-poor programs and priority projects which have benefited and enhanced the lives of thousands of impoverished Manilenos.He addressed almost all the social needs of his people and has created programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

Atienza created livelihood programs and employment opportunities for the unemployed by bringing the city’s economy back into life. He created training programs and vocational courses intended for the out of school youth and unemployed to provide them with a decent livelihood and a stable source of income. Atienza together with other non-government organizations have provided affordable housing and land acquisition programs for the homeless, which have benefited a lot of the city’s poor residents and even the middle class.

The city’s healthcare services and public hospitals were also enhanced under his leadership.Atienza added more funds for the city’s public hospitals and health centers which allowed them to purchase new medical equipment and medicines for enhanced healthcare services and to be able to provide free medicines to the city’s impoverished residents. Atienza has provided free medical services and medicines to far-flung areas and barangays.

Manila during Atienza’s term also experienced the best peace and order situation in many years. In support of Manila’s budding athletes and promising talents, Atienza launched sports-culminating activities and provided free training and development programs to harness their skills and talents.In addition, Atienza also extended free access to education and school supplies to Manila’s public school students.Manila’s colleges and universities were also refurbished during his leadership, as part of his efforts in providing quality and affordable college education to Manilenos.Furthermore, many of the city’s senior residents were also able to enjoy greater benefits under the former mayor’s program for the senior citizens which included special services, big discounts and other freebies.

The former environment secretary also batted for the removal of the oil depot in Pandacan which he believes is a serious environmental and safety threat. Manila was also provided with a major facelift as Atienza pushed forward for the beautification and enhancement of the city’s old and deteriorating parks and other tourist attractions. One of the most outstanding projects of the former mayor is the improvement of the city’s bay area commonly known as the “Baywalk”, which has allowed city residents, as well as local and foreign tourists to enjoy alfresco dining and listening to fine music while watching the world-renowned Manila Bay sunset.

Atienza’s unparalleled accomplishments during his leadership make him as the best person to vote for mayor in this coming Manila elections.If he is able to secure another three-year term in this coming Manila elections, Manila along with its residents are set to enjoy another three glorious years under the leadership of Lito Atienza.

Lito Atienza is the best person to vote for mayor in this coming Manila election. Atienza is one of the most accomplished mayors in Manila’s rich political history and has done more things than any of his predecessors. The Atienza administration is best described by the dramatic transformation in the city’s economy, tourism, peace and order and education. He succeeded in addressing almost all the social needs of his people by creating programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, arts and culture, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens.

According to Atienza, the hotline aims to give voice to Manilans, particularly the small businessmen, vendors, pedicab and tricycle drivers, who often fall prey to abusive city and police officials.

Through the hotline, the residents could easily and directly call or send text messages to him regarding their complaints or grievances. He added that this would likewise enable him to immediately act upon the issues at hand.

“I want Manilans and I to have an open and direct communication. I want to know and immediately address their concerns. Through the hotline, the people, especially small traders who often are victims of extortion, will have easy access to me,” Atienza said.

Apart from speedy response, the hotline will prevent abuse of authority among his men, injustice and cruelty against the people, as well as eradicate extortion activities and illegal collection.

Atienza added that the hotline will also allow him to get feedback, advice and comments about his leadership and how he manages the affairs of the city.

If Manila residents would Vote Lito Atienza and would give him a fresh three-year mandate, Atienza will launch his platform billed as “Buhayin Nating Muli Ang Maynila” which is centered on continuing what he has started during his leadership.In light of this, Atienza has penciled a number of programs and priority projects, all of which are designed to meet all the basic social needs of the city and its residents.Atienza plans to sustain his livelihood programs and effective delivery of basic social services which has benefited much of the city’s impoverished residents during his tenure as city mayor.

To fulfill his vision of uplifting the lives of the city’s poorest residents, Atienza plans to launch programs that would stimulate the city’s once-vibrant economy. Atienza will try to lure in investors into the city by upgrading the city’s infrastructure and peace and order situation. In this way, economic activity in the city will be revived, which can result into job generation for the city’s unemployed residents. Livelihood programs and skills trainings will also be provided to the city’s unemployed and out of school youth to provide them with a decent livelihood and source of income.Moreover, Atienza will also create employment opportunities for the city’s senior citizens who would still want to work.

Apart from jobs and employment opportunities creation, Atienza will also continue to address the needs of the residents by including almost all social aspects in his platform.Atienza will launch and continue programs and projects that will include a wide array of social areas including programs for housing, healthcare, peace and order, education, sports, culture and arts, nature and environment and welfare of senior citizens. If the Manilenos will Vote Lito Atienza, the benefits and the services they were able to avail during Atienza’s term will be continued and sustained for good.

If given another three-year term as city mayor, Atienza plans to create more affordable housing programs and land acquisition programs both for the homeless impoverished residents and even to the middle class. As part of his efforts in upgrading the city’s healthcare services, Atienza has vowed to enrich the coffers of the city’s public hospitals and health centers. This will allow hospitals to acquire modern medical equipment and medicines to be able to provide the Manilenos with quality healthcare and free medicines.Healthcare services will be delivered to every barangay via the “Sama sa Masa”, a priority project of Atienza where in doctors conduct free medicines and checkups to every barangay of the city. Atienza will also continue to provide free education and school supplies to the city’s public school students. In addition, as part of his efforts in providing quality and affordable college education, Manila’s colleges and universities will also be further improved.Livelihood programs and skills trainings like vocational courses will also be provided to Manila’s unemployed and out of school youth.

Atienza plans on extending support to Manila’s budding athletes and talents through the promotion of sports-culminating activities and free training and development programs.The city’s peace and order situation will also be enhanced and perpetrators of crime and big time drug or crime syndicates will be put into justice. As a former environment czar, Atienza will be pushing for the removal of the oil depot in Pandacan, which he deem as a serious environmental and safety threat to the people residing in the area.Furthermore, Atienza is planning to move forward with his beautification projects to put Manila back into the tourists’ maps and top destinations in the country.Atienza plans to continue transforming and beautifying the city’s old and deteriorating parks and tourist attractions, just like what he did in Manila’s bay area or commonly known as the baywalk.

If Manila residents Vote Lito Atienza, the former Manila mayor plans to continue his dedication and commitment in uplifting the lives of the city’s residents. Atienza’s platform is centered on improving local government’s delivery of basic services and creating livelihood and employment opportunities as a way of addressing the poverty incidence in the city. Atienza also plans to continue his beautification projects just like what he did in he now infamous baywalk.

Dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada at Lito Atienza sa isang political rally sa San Andres district.

“Ang kailangan ng Maynila ay  isang Alkaldeng maasahan ng kanyang mga kababayan at may puso sa lahat ng mga nangangailan na handang tumulong sa mga mahihirap anumang oras”.

Ito ang binigyang diin ni dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada sa isang political rally sa San Andres district kamakalawa ng gabi kasabay ng pag eendorso sa kandidatura ng nagbabalik na Alkalde ng Maynila na si Lito Atienza at sa buong tiket nito na “Buhayin ang Maynila”.

Hindi naman magkamayaw sa pagsigaw ng suporta ang libo-libong residente ng San Andres na dumalo sa nasabing pagtitipon kung saan inihayag ni Erap na si Atienza ay isang “tunay na kaibigan, laging maaahan at hindi nang-iiwan sa gitna ng laban”.

Matapos na itaas ni Erap ang kamay ni Atienza at ng running mate nitong si Bonjay Isip-Garcia, bilang pag eendorso sa kandidatura ng dalawa, pinasalamatan ng dating Pangulo ang mga Manileno sa patuloy nilang pagsuporta sa Partido ng Masang Pilipino at nangako na susuklian nito ang pagmamahal na ibinigay sa kanya sa pamamagitan ng public service sa pakikipag tulungan na rin ni nagbabalik na administrasyon ni undefeated three term Mayor  Atienza.

“Alam ko ang pagkatao ni Lito. Subok na siya sa pagtulong sa mga mamamayan, lalo na sa mga mahihirap”, ayon pa kay Erap kung saan ikinumpra nito si Atienza kay Mayor Alfredo Lim at sinabing hindi siya inibandona ng nagbabalik na Alkalde hindi tulad ni Lim na isang sinungaling.

“Yang si Lim, nagsinungaling pa. May aasikasuhin lang daw siya, aawatin lang daw niya ang mga tao, yun pala, pupunta na sa Edsa. Hindi kagaya ni Atienza hindi ako iniwan hanggang sa huling araw ko sa Malacanang noong Enero 2002″ , ayon pa kay Erap.

Malaki naman ang panghihinayang ni Erap kung bakit sinuportahan niya ang kandidatura ni Lim noong 2007 sa kabila ng pagta-traydor sa kanya nito nong Edsa 2 at muling  napatunayan ng dating Pangulo na walang malasakit sa mahihirap ang Alkalde ng kaladkarin ng mga tauhan nito palabas ng Vitas slaughter house ang isang konsehal ng Maynila. “Kung magagawa niya yan sa isang konsehal, ano pa kaya sa maliiit na tao?”ayon pa kay Estrada.

Nilinaw ni Estrada na hindi siya nagalit kay Atienza ng magiging miyembro ito ng gabinete ni PGM dahil hindi naman umabuso sa kapangyarihan ang dating DENR Secretary at nanatili pa itong tapat sa kanyang mga kaibigan tulad ni Erap simula pa noong dekada 70 kung saan nagsimula sila sa iisang layunin sa pag aalaga sa mga matatanda at pagbibigay ng bahay sa mga mahihirap na siya ring prioridad ni Estrada noong siya pa ang Alkalde ng San Juan hanggang sa maging Senador noong 1987.

The former Mayor of Manila who holds the record as the only mayor who has served 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 expected frontrunners in this coming Manila Elections. His resume can speak volumes of achievements and countless completed projects that have benefited the city residents particularly those who are impoverished. His political career that has lasted for more than four decades now is a clear demonstration on how the former Mayor of Manila has lived his life as a statesman, serving selflessly for the people.

Lito Atienza began his political career started 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 a staunch 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 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, Lito 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. Atienza would later decide on embarking on a bold journey as he seek a Parliamentary seat despite having no financial support at all.Instead, Atienza depended heavily 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 a Parliamentary member of the Batasang Pambansa started in 1984, representing the then vast Congressional District of Manila which include the districts of Paco, Pandacan, San Andres Bukid, Sta. Ana, Santa Mesa. He was a known staunch ally of Sen. Ninoy Aquino and one of the opposition stalwarts who persuaded 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 brief career at the NHA as General Manger, 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 the loss, his spirit and will to serve was never defeated as he would later run and win as Vice-Mayor in 1992 and 1995.

In 1998 Manila Elections, Lito Atienza finally made it to the mayoralty seat and history as the only Vice Mayor who got elected as city mayor. Atienza was noted 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 substantial effort to execute the ill- executed Clean Air Act.Atienza also focused 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 gone after 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.

Former Mayor of Manila Lito Atienza’s unblemished political stint and achievements are clear testaments to his passion in being a public servant and being a true statesman. Atienza deserves to win the Manila Elections 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. Under his banner Lito Atienza 2010, Atienza hopes to continue his work for Manila’s folks.

The father of Lito Atienza, Jose Atienza Sr, or Pepe was the top leader of the Department of Public Services. He was a distinguished public servant who would even get up in the middle of the night just to help troubled neighbors. His uncle, Herminigildo Atienza, was appointed Manila Mayor himself right after the liberation of the city. He was a very good mayor who was considered as one of the biggest influences in the founding of the legendary Liberal Party of Philippine politics.

Lito Atienza grew up amidst the ruins of the city of Manila, walked through the neighborhoods that was but a collection of debris and even swam on the waters of Manila Bay. He would be the perfect Manila Mayor because he grew up in the city in which he dreams to lead. He dreamt that he would eventually join Philippine politics, elevate the city of Manila into a greatness which will make the ashes of the war a mere afterthought. By gunning for the post of Manila mayor, he can now engage in his dream task of trying to place Manila back to the high status where it belongs.

Lito Atienza is certainly very qualified to become Manila Mayor. He had his primary and secondary education in Ateneo de Manila University and added a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas. Despite the fact that their family was monetarily rich, they were hardworking which enabled Lito to enter into the top schools. The Atienza family exhibited faithfulness and feared God properly. This mixed background of family values and fundamental religious aspects are certainly very important for the position of public servant in Philippine politics.

Definitely best qualification of Lito Atienza is his bespectacled good name. His father Pepe firmly believed that no wealth could ever match the reputation of the heritage of good name backed up with a good education. Lito also had numerous friends and mostly persevered in order to reach his goals. He would take manual labor jobs and even rode along classmates with cars without shame because he firmly believed in hard work as the bridge to our goals.

Lito Atienza would certainly add to his colored history in his participation in Philippine politics by running for mayor. By all accounts, being the Manila Mayor would be best for him and for the city of Manila given his heritage with the place. He lived not only his life here, but also lived with his family in the city which he envisions to prosper. If he wins, it will truly be for everyone’s benefit if we give him a chance to fulfill his dreams of the city for us.

When Lito Atienza announced his intention to run for the mayor position of the city of Manila, many applauded the move. There would be no other person perhaps who is more qualified for the position of Manila Mayor. Apart from coming from a distinguished family in the history of Philippine politics, Lito Atienza also has vast experience as a politician. He has a good clean name established through a reputation of irreproachable character of sincere public service.