A very “anatomical” column by MLQ3 here discusses the stunt by candidate-for-senator Lito Atienza. In trying to position himself as a politician ready for the national stage, Mr. Atienza chose to posture himself – with the usual tacky flower shirt (I’m not sure if he was first or he just copied Roco; BTW Fred Lim also used to sport flower shirts when he was mayor of Manila) – despite the problems of Manila still unanswered.

I lived in Manila for more than 20 years. And the mayor that I remember is Mel Lopez (one term), followed by Fred Lim (2 terms), then by Lito Atienza (now on his 3rd and last term). Among the 3, the best was Lim, though he was crucified and lambasted. In the last 16 years, the general clean up began with Lim, who closed down the Red District at Ermita, started a shame campaign against drug pushers, closed the Smoky Mountain, cleaned up the streets of grime. His disastrous run in the 98 presidential elections had Atienza taking the mayoralty post. He engaged in cosmetic beautification of Manila (which was concentrated in District V, his district), destroyed some old and historical buildings, plastered his face and name on all possible places (billboards, notebooks, t-shirts, school IDs, walls, barangay halls, pedicabs), managed to cause the daily horrible traffic jams in the Sta. Cruz area by closing down Carriedo; and he manages to show that he is working but not really solving the problems of Manila.

And now, he is beginning his campaign to national prominence. He chose to cast his lot with Gloria Arroyo – an act which shows he is still a local politician; after all, almost all local politicos chose to support Arroyo. Also, they say that all politics is local, a saying that Arroyo plays to the hilt. The fertilizer fund mess is a nod to this saying.

Anyway, what we need next year is an impeachment Congress. So if ever he runs, Atienza will not get my vote. Not in a long shot.

By the way, a nod to MLQ3’s blog entry.