Atienza decries ‘political hooliganism’

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza cried foul yesterday over what he described as "organized political hooliganism" which vandalizes his beautification projects and ordered the Manila police to apprehend the perpetrators.

In a statement, the reelectionist Manila mayor said he received reports that lamps lighting up major streets in Tondo like Road 10 from Zaragoza to Moriones, and the plant pots adorning such bridges as Del Pan and Lacson, have been vandalized. Atienza did not say how much damage was done.

"This is obviously an attempt to sabotage the Buhayin ang Maynila urban renewal program of the city government. Those responsible for these acts of vandalism want to make it appear that the city is dirty and chaotic, hoping that I would be blamed," he said. Atienza said the vandalism was reported to him by Manila City electrician Ernesto Cuyugan.

Atienza recently decorated bridges in Manila with plant pots, paved roads, and inaugurated lamp posts erected all over the city as part of his "beautification project."

The mayor claimed that his beautification program has "bred envy" in his political rivals but would not say who in particular. Atienza associated the vandalism to a "demolition job" against him that is "taking a literal form."

Recently, a bitter exchange of accusations erupted between Atienza and his "comebacking" predecessor, Alfredo Lim, prompting the latter to dare the incumbent mayor to a withdrawal of candidacy when whoever of them is found lying. Atienza turned down the challenge of his one-time political ally.

Atienza directed the Manila police, particularly the mobile patrol division, to apprehend the vandals. Another major rival of Atienza is former Manila fifth district Rep. Amado Bagatsing. There are three other relatively unknown candidates running for mayor of Manila. – Jose Aravilla