City council backs Atienza for DENR, but activists want him out

Manila councilors unanimously endorsed on Wednesday the appointment of Lito Atienza, former mayor of the capital city, as the new Environment secretary — because he had proved to a firm supporter of environmental concerns. But environmental groups threatened to stage a series of protests against Atienza's appointment, starting on Thursday. The Manila City Council passed a two-page resolution endorsing Atienza's appointment as chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Councilor Ma. Lourdes "Bonjay" Isip-Garcia, principal author of the resolution cited Atienza’s "exemplary track record in championing the cause of the environment during his six years as Vice Mayor and nine years as Mayor of Manila." The resolution also noted that Atienza as had extensive experience in public service. The appointment, the resolution added, would be a "great honor" for the city. Atienza served his third, and last term, as mayor this year. His son, Ali Atienz, ran in the May 14 elections but lost to another former mayor, Alfredo Lim. The resolution citerd Atienza's environmental projects: • As vice mayor (to Lim), led the passage of Ordinance 7777 that stopped the reclamation of Manila Bay (from the Manila Yacht Club to the US Embassy) and transformed the area into a popular promenade now called Manila Baywalk which is “the only surviving bay front left in Metro Manila." • As mayor, he spearheaded the passage of the ordinance that mandated the closure of operation of the oil depot in Pandacan and its transfer to a “much safer and ecologically sound location." • Atienza also initiated the Manila Clean and Green Project in 2006 that involved the planting of 100,000 trees, shrubs, and plants from August 2006 to December 2006. • Atienza also implemented the program of giving Homes for the Homeless at the UN Gardens, Residencias de Manila and BASECO. A coalition of environmental activists acknowledged Atienza's environmental projects, but doubted that he would put public service before private interest, according to Clemente Bautista, national coordinator for the Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE). "Sure, he spruced up a long-decrepit zoo and led pockets of tree-planting activities, but that's a pretty far cry from an ideal candidate for Environment Secretary," Bautista said in a statement issued on Wednesday. "We are sure that Atienza can do more for the environment in his capacity as a private citizen rather than as a political lackey to the President." According to Bautista, Kalikasan PNE is not endorsing any particular individual for the position. "But we have a definite set of criteria for any appointee to the post of DENR Secretary," he said. Among the criteria Bautista cited were: • "A consistent track record in crafting, overseeing, or implementing pro-environment and pro-people policies... • "Independence and political will to stand by what is best for the people's welfare and the environment, and not spinelessly give in to pressure and intimidation from foreign investors, business groups, and the powers that be in the Palace... • "Finally, he or she must be committed to upholding an environmental policy firmly grounded on national sovereignty and protection of our patrimony for the Filipino people's welfare, not on unrestrained liberalization, lust for profit, and plunder by foreign and elite interests." "Unfortunately," Bautista said, "we have yet to see these qualities in Mr. Atienza and in the way he conducted his administration of Manila." "There are always better alternatives to Atienza as DENR Secretary, if only President Arroyo were not so obsessed with political accommodation and convenience," Bautista said. The real challenge for Atienza, he said, is to prove to the people that he will put their interests first over that of his political benefactor, President Arroyo. - GMANews.TV