Lito Atienza: PH Congress not an investigative body

PASSERBY
By Nestor Cuartero

He refuses to reveal his age, preferring to allow the flaming red gumamela flowers on his shirt to speak volumes about his zest for life, beauty and youthfulness.

“If I reveal my age, I might lose my many friends who are female,” he laughed.

A second revelation: Mr. Atienza has amassed too many floral shirts that have eaten up three big cabinets at home. Some of them, he bought; many of them, he received as gifts.

Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza says he keeps young at heart by doing light exercises and maintaining a healthy lifestyle plus a cheerful disposition. Just admiring the flowers on his shirt makes him happy.

Throughout our lunch at this modern American-inspired restaurant, I never saw him touch a morsel of meat. He drank nothing but water.

Atienza hopes to return to Congress as the first nominee of Buhay Party-list. He lamented that the current Congress of the Philippines has been so preoccupied with investigations left, right, and center, that people there have forgotten that their primary work is legislative.

“The people did not vote for them there to investigate,” he said. “They could just join the NBI or the police if that’s what they wanted to do.”

Every conversation with the former mayor almost always hovers on his son, Kim, the more famous one.

The popular TV personality, Atienza says, continues to receive offers to run for public office.  

“Yet, Kim has firmly decided to stay out of politics despite invitations from prominent figures. Ayaw n’ya,” he stated.

In so many times, and in so many words, Kim has said that he’s happier being a broadcaster, giving him more freedom to pursue his interests, such as joining marathons, etc.

“He has chosen a life that allows him to focus on his hobbies,” he said.

More curious about following in his footsteps is Atienza’s daughter, Chi Atienza, who is running for vice-mayor of Manila in partnership with Isko Moreno, another former mayor.

The old man’s advice to his children entering politics: “Pray. Follow your heart. Make sure that whatever decision you make will not negatively affect your family.”

Atienza is confident that the tandem between Isko and Chi will win the May 2025 election in Manila.

Under Buhay Party-list, Atienza is joined by Carlos Atienza (third nominee) and Marco Sario.

Their party-list aims to promote the culture of life and uphold traditional values on marriage and the family.

Atienza served as the 21st Mayor of Manila for three consecutive terms from 1998 to 2007.

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