Filtered By: Topstories
News

Jose 'Lito' Livioko Atienza, Jr.


PERSONAL INFORMATION
  • Birth date: August 10, 1941
  • Birthplace: Manila
  • Spouse: Ma. Evelina I. Atienza

EDUCATION

  • Elementary, Ateneo de Manila University
  • High School, Ateneo de Manila University
  • BS Architecture, University of Sto. Tomas

CAREER

  • Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (2007-)
  • Mayor, Manila (three terms - 1998-2001, 2001-2004, 2004-2007)
  • Vice mayor, Manila (1992-1995, 1995-1998)
  • General manager (appointed), National Housing Authority (1988-1989)
  • Assemblyman, Batasang Pambansa (1984-1986)
  • Chief information officer, Manila city government

ISSUES

  • Staunch Arroyo ally. At the height of the Hello Garci controversy and Hyatt 10 resignations in 2005, the Liberal Party under the leadership of Sen. Franklin Drilon called for President Arroyo's resignation. On the other hand, Atienza, the party's chairman, joined several Metro Manila mayors in submitting a manifesto of support for the embattled President. This eventually led to the break up of the Liberal Party into two wings -- the opposition Drilon wing, and the pro-administration Atienza wing.
  • Demolition of the jai alai building. In 2000, the jai alai building on Taft Avenue was demolished upon Atienza's orders. The landmark art deco structure was reduced to rubble to make way for a new building, which was supposed to house the overflowing salas of the city courts' judges. The demolition was carried out amid protests from heritage conservationists and architectural associations.
  • Construction within Mehan Garden. In 2001, Atienza announced plans to construct two structures within Mehan Garden: a new campus for the City College of Manila, and a three-storey bus terminal and park-and-ride building. The National Historical Institute declared Mehan Garden as a national historical site, while environmentalists protested against Atienza's plans; nevertheless, construction pushed through (at one point, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources revoked the park-and-ride project's environmental clearance certificate and issued a temporary restraining order on the ongoing construction).
  • Construction at Arroceros Park. Atienza had the Arroceros Forest Park in Manila converted into the city schools division office in 2005. Trees were cut and trenches were dug to make way for the construction of the new building. Winner Foundation, the park's caretaker, filed a case before the Manila Regional Trial Court in a bid to stop the park's destruction. The park was closed to the public, pending resolution of the case (recently, newly-elected Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim promised to reopen it). (Inquirer, iNEWS, www.arrocerospark.com)

Sources: i-site.ph, OPS, Liberal Party website, NCCA, BusinessWorld, Manila Standard Today

Tags: atienza
LOADING CONTENT