Atienza hints at comeback bid in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza hosted yesterday a free showing of the Manny Pacquiao-Cotto fight at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, hinting at his comeback in the city amid cheers of supporters addressing him as “mayor.”

The free show appeared to have been a declaration of sorts for Atienza’s political plans for next year, though his likely participation in the Manila mayoralty race in the 2010 elections.

Atienza hosted the free show for Manila street sweepers under the Out of School Youth Serving Towards Economic Resiliency (Oyster) program. He said the street asked him to let them see the widely-anticipated boxing match as early as two months ago, and the free showing is both a treat and a recognition for their hard work.

“A job of a street sweeper is difficult. They try to maintain the cleanliness in the city, sweeping up the dirt,” he said.

“And so just like them, I will sweep up and sweep out all the dirt and corruption out of the Manila City Hall,” Atienza added.

Atienza entered the arena clad in his signature red-yellow floral shirt, accompanied by his wife. As he entered the Rizal Memorial Stadium, a jingle indicating his love for Manila played.

Atienza, commenting on the victory of boxer Manny Pacquiao, who he regards as a son, said all Filipinos “be proud of Manny Pacquiao and be proud of our race before the whole wide world.”

Atienza said Pacquiao called him up just before the fight, saying “he was really, really confident of winning but still leaving it up to the Lord.”

“So his winning combination is his genius in boxing and his unwavering faith in the Lord,” he said.

Atienza said Pacquiao showed the world “that he is a true natural resource of our country; that he is the solid unbeatable proof that the Filipinos can be the best.”

He called on President Arroyo to give Pacquiao “the highest form of recognition.”