WISE COMPROMISE – A talk with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza inevitably leads to boxing champion and legend Manny Pacquiao. Understandable as Atienza’s like second father to the world champ.
As you very well know, aside from fighting on the ring, Manny is also keen on showbiz (movie-TV, recording) and politics. Atienza, from the very start, is against Manny’s foray into politics. And the former Manila mayor was proved right when Manny ran and lost for Congress in General Santos City, clobbered by Darlene Custodio.
He wants to run again next year, this time in Sarangani Province.
Atienza offered a wise compromise. Okay, run for congressman, but not under a political party but with the Party List, Sports Development. That way he won’t be involved in partisan politics as his constituents cover the entire country. And that he can focus on helping athletes.
A Party List candidate (or nominee) needs only 300,000 votes to win nationwide. But with his tremendous popularity he can easily get three million votes – or even more.
A Party List is entitled to three nominees and Atienza suggests Paeng Nepomuceno (bowling) and Bata Reyes (billiard).
Why not his son Ali Atienza, who’s an Asian champion (taekwondo)?
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NOT BANKRUPT – Secretary Atienza had lunch with mediamen at his DENR office NOT to talk about Manny Pacquiao but to deny accusations he left Manila bankrupt when his term as mayor expired. On the contrary, the city had R2.6 billion (yes, billion) when he stepped down.
“How could they say Manila is bankrupt with that kind of money?” the former mayor said.
Atienza learned that the city is now in debt due to poor tax collection.
He released to the press a Department of Finance and Commission on Audit report showing Manila as the most economically balanced city in the country – during his time.
“Please write that Manila was not bankrupt when I stepped down as mayor. The false accusation is so consistent that people might believe it,” Atienza pleaded.
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I SHALL RETURN – Secretary Atienza didn’t say that, but the consensus is he’s running for Manila mayor in 2010. He was mayor for nine years (three terms) and he’s proud of his achievements.
“Buhayin ang Maynila” was his battlecry and it’ll be “Muling Buhayin ang Maynila” in next year’s elections.
He said the City of our Affection is now dark and dirty, the streets in disrepair.
Atienza’s also angry that the oil depot remains in Pandacan, posing danger to city dwellers, including those in Malaca?ang, should an accident happen. When he was mayor he approved an ordinance requiring the oil depot to move elsewhere, away from crowded places.
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PRESIDENTIAL BET – Who will he support for president in 2010? He should be makamasa and the victim of injustice, Atienza said.
Can’t be Mar Roxas, his “enemy” at the Liberal Party.
Joseph Estrada, perhaps? Atienza remained loyal to Erap even during the impeachment proceedings. He said EDSA 2 was a mistake.
Atienza flashed a “Mona Lisa” smile.
