Atienza looking forward to quiet life in 2007

Manila City Mayor Lito Atienza, who has devoted 33 years of his life to public service, said yesterday he was now looking forward to a laid back life once his term ends in year 2007.

Atienza, who celebrated his 64th birthday yesterday, said he was not aspiring for any other government post once he concludes his third term as the local chief executive of Manila.

"I have no political plans. God gave me the opportunity to serve the city of Manila and the country. I am doing the best that I can. I am looking forward to a quiet life with my family and the community," he said after a Thanksgiving Mass held at the Bonifacio Shrine.

When asked for his birthday wish, the mayor did not mention anything in particular and merely thanked God for the blessings in his life, particularly for giving him the opportunity to serve the Manileños.

He denied having any plans to run as senator, saying that aspiring to be part of the Senate would run contrary to his campaign for a unicameral form of government.

"It would be hypocritical of me if I ran for a seat when I want the Senate abolished," he said.

During the Bulong Pulungan forum at the Westin Philippine Plaza last Tuesday, Atienza said the two legislative branches should be joined to form a unicameral form of government "since there is no need for a check and balance of legislation."

"The checking should come from the executive, judiciary or the fourth estate," he said.

However, he was quick to add that he would always be ready to extend assistance even in the capacity of a barangay chairman if necessary.

"I would not shy away from the responsibilities that they will give me," he said.

Atienza said the next city mayor should be someone who would have the passion for urban renewal and follow his projects under the "Buhayin ang Maynila" program, which has been the flagship of his administration in the last seven years.

When asked if he was grooming his son, former 5th district Councilor Kim Atienza, to replace him, he replied, "He can try, but he has to earn the people’s trust and my trust as well."

Atienza, a graduate of architecture at the University of Santo Tomas, started his political career as chief information officer of Manila in 1972. He became an assemblyman of the Batasang Pambansa in 1974 and joined the fight against the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

After the 1986 People Power Revolution, he was appointed as general manager of the National Housing Authority.

He then served as Manila vice mayor for six years until he ran and won as city mayor in 1998.

Throughout his political life, he has been a loyal member of the Liberal Party.