Atienza files COC in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza yesterday filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) at the local Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Manila as he officially declared his intention to run as Manila mayor during the May 2010 elections.

Atienza’s running mate is Councilor Bonjay Isip-Garcia. Both of them are running under the Liberal Party.

Under Atienza’s ticket, the congressional candidates are Letlet Zarcal, District 3; Amado Bagatsing, District 5; and Benny Abante, District 6.

Atienza’s bets for city councilors are Dennis Alcoreza, Edwin Simbulan, Eduardo Solis, Danny Isiderio and German Nunez for District 1; Marlon Lacson, Numero Uno Lim, Ivy Varona, Boy Laxa, Nida Buenaventura-Panti and Ike Hernandez Villegas for District 2; Joel Chua, Ramon Morales, Larsil Silva, Robbie Oca, Don Neil dela Peña and Alejandro Gomez for District 3; Gerino Tolentino, Jocelyn Quintos, Susan Beltran, DJ Bagatsing, Caloy Trinidad and Robin Aquino Padilla for District 4; Cora Gernale, Cristy Isip, Rafael Borromeo, Robert Ortega, Joey Cabreza and Harry Huecas for District 5; and Joy Dawis-Asuncion, Joey Uy, Caloy Castaneda, Vladimir Cabigao, and Casimiro Sison for District 6.

Atienza said under the administration of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, who is seeking re-election, “Manila has deteriorated once again under the present local administration with its lack of vision and program of government.”

“For three years, the Lim government has deprived Manileños of the right kind of life they deserve by removing and destroying what my administration worked hard for the people in nine years. Chaos and squalor in all parts of Manila were tolerated once more that shooed people and opportunities away from the city,” he said.

Atienza alleged that under Lim’s administration, the sale of prime properties to favor certain individuals prevailed.    – Sandy Araneta