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.

“Lito 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.

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.