Mayor Lito and the Manila of his dreams - DIRECT LINE by Boy Abunda

My first meeting with Mayor Lito Atienza was uneventful, to say the least. In retrospect, it was probably so because better things were meant to happen after that. I have always liked the Mayor’s son, Kim. He is a fabulous human being that it would be a venial sin not to like him. "You should get to know Papa," Kim told me over the phone. Kim is gregarious, smart and cool. He must have been raised well by equally gregarious and intelligent parents, I mulled. Kim has the warmth and candor enough to grab you by the collar and get you into a lifetime of friendship. And he seduced me into meeting his dad. And I’m glad I fell into the trap.

Months passed until I got the chance to talk to the Mayor himself. The following is a two-part conversation I had with Mayor Atienza who talks about Manila with passion, the Black Nazarene, his dancing ability that his political rivals don’t possess. Read on.

Why should I vote for you?

Because we have given Manila what it long badly needed – urban renewal and development and good government.

Name your three most important achievements.

A) Physical improvement in many areas like Plaza Miranda, the underpass, new health centers and a thriving Malate District. B) We have constructed or at least improved more than 900 city roads within two years and a half, we have lighted main avenues like Taft, Rizal Avenue and numerous communities which used to suffer under darkness. We have also brought basic services directly to the communities in our Sama sa Masa Program. We started this on our first day in office in 1998. C) We now have a better City Hall where taxpayers are received as VIPs in our Taxpayers Lounge, an air-conditioned hall full of amenities, to make tax payers feel appreciated while they pay their taxes. City Hall now boasts of working elevators, clean comfort rooms, and working clocks on our tower, something which past administrations seem to have forgotten to give the public.

Is Manila a better place to live in because of you?

I believe so. This is through the collective efforts of the bureaucracy, and the barangays who have been part and parcel of our administration.

Is it safer?

Yes. Manila is safer today. Our records at the WPD reflect this. For one, we have far less kidnappings today than before.

Is life for Manileños better because of you?

Surely, better roads, safer and cleaner communities and fair business policies make Manila a better place.

Your basic political philosophy?

Good government starts with the quality of candidates running for office. The good guys must not shy away from politics.

Do you consider yourself a trapo?

No, I do not consider myself a trapo. My first break in politics was in the revolutionary 1984 elections, where voters elected me as an oppositionist member of parliament in Manila. Since then, I have retained righteousness as my guiding principle in my policies. What is right must be done, no matter who gets hurt.

Are you a faithful husband?

You can ask my wife, Beng. You see, we have been blissfully married for 35 years and blessed with six successful children.

How do you pray? Do you have a relationship with the Black Nazarene?

I make it a point to pray before bed and first thing after waking up. Constant prayer prepares me for the challenges of the day. Yes, I constantly ask help from the Black Nazarene and I have received graces all the time. He reminds me of the tremendous sufferings. Christ gave mankind the supreme sacrifices of His life.

Who is the best Mayor of Manila, in your opinion? Why?

Mayor Arsenio Lacson was the best. He was an effective leader, very colorful and inspiring. He also succeeded in founding many of the vital institutions in Manila like our zoo, city hospital, city slaughterhouse, better facilities in the old Manila Police Department and including the first underpass at Plaza Miranda.

What do you have that Lim and Bagatsing don’t have?

Dancing ability.

You danced with Bayanihan. Were you a good dancer?

My wife Beng thought so, she got attracted to me while dancing in the Bayanihan.

What can you do that Lim and Bagatsing can’t?

Creative and innovative approaches to old problems which proliferated during the past administration.

Erap, what is the first thing that comes to mind?

Erap was president who became a friend. I did not vote for him but he was always helping us in the city, very approachable.

Should he go to jail?

If he is found guilty, yes.

Comment on the constitutionality of Arroyo’s government?

It is a de facto government sworn in by no less than the Chief Justice of the land. I may not agree with the way it was placed into power but I respect its existence and authority.

Political wags would say that the past months saw Fred Lim missing his steps on the political tight rope. He went to Edsa at the wrong time and just to be seen at the Club Filipino with Erap weeks later. What are your thoughts?

Critical times bring out the best and the worst in men.

What is your dream for Manila?

We dream of a colorful city awaited with history and culture. Vibrantly living with thriving businesses. Every resident is provided an opportunity to be productive. We see it through technicolor glasses while I believe my political opponents see it through faded sepia.

What do you intend to do with the Metropolitan Theater? This means so much to us who started our careers in the historic theater?

The Met must be restored. I have been working hard to get the GSIS, the other claimant of the property to work with us in its full restoration. It is the legitimate stage from which Manila’s talents can be developed. We would want it managed by committed artists who share this concern. (To be concluded)