“We stand firmly behind him (Atienza) in his quest for the mayoralty of Manila in this coming 2010 elections,” said Gen. Narciso Cabrera, Gen. Ernesto Diokno, Gen. Edgar dela Torre, Gen. Pedro Bulaong, Gen. Proceso Almando, Gen. James Barbers and Gen Vicente Vinarao.

They expressed confidence in the leadership and competence of Atienza, whom they also admired for being a God-fearing man.

“We, who have spent more than 100 years of combined dedicated service in the Manila Police Department, firmly believe in the proven capabilities of Mayor Lito Atienza because more than anything else, he is a God-fearing human being,” said the retired generals’ statement of support for Atienza.

This clearly indicates that there is no truth to speculations that either–-or both–Mayor Alfredo Lim, who was a former police general and chief of the Western Police District; or former Philippine National Police chief Avelino Razon will get the support of the officials and members of the police force.The generals added that they solidly support Atienza because of his ideals and advocacy that genuinely focuses on improving the quality of life of the Manilans.

They also said that Atienza always takes into consideration the welfare of the city’s retired police officials. “His vision and advocacies are all focused towards the welfare and upliftment of all Manilans and his beloved city, particularly Manila Police retirees who received unprecedented cash benefits not given by any other mayor,” the generals stressed.

Further, the retired police officers emphasized that Atienza’s track record as a mayor is exceptional, unequaled and has even surpassed the combined achievements of Manila’s previous local chief executives.“ His proven record of accomplishment as former Mayor of Manila remains unmatched and surpasses all the achievements of his predecessors put together which is a living testimony to his executive ability par excellence,” they said.

“Undeniably and without doubt, the city of Manila needs Mayor Lito Atienza once again,” the former police officials added

Lumbao expressed confidence in the competence of Atienza and his team, saying they are very much capable of improving the quality of life of the Manilans, especially the poor residents.

He stressed that he chose to support the return of the former Environment secretary to the mayoralty of the city of Manila because they share the same vision for the poor.

Lumbao added that it is Atienza, not Mayor Alfredo Lim, who has the genuine heart for the poor.

He said Lim had failed to make good his promises during the 2007 elections that he would initiate programs that would alleviate the poor from poverty.

“Mayor Lim is a liar. When he ran in 2007, he promised Manilans that he would provide them with jobs, businesses and other livelihood opportunities. But none of those promises were fulfilled.  In three years, he has done nothing to help his constituents, especially the impoverished families,” he said.

PMAP is one of the biggest groups which has been fighting to improve the plight of the poor. It has also endorsed the candidacy of comebacking President Joseph Estrada.

“Of all presidents, it was only during the administration of former President Estrada that the poor were truly prioritized. We want him to become president again so that he can continue his programs for the masses,” he said.

Apart from Lumbao, Estrada also repeatedly expressed disgust over Lim’s failure to fulfill his  commitment with the people of Manila.

Estrada said Lim is a liar who did not honor his word and broke his promises to the city residents soon after he won the 2007 elections.