BIZ BUZZ: Bye, politics; hello, DA
Arnold Atienza, son of former Manila Mayor Jose “Lito” Atienza Jr. and brother of television personality Kuya Kim or Alejandro Atienza, initially intended to return to politics, but the universe—or rather, the Marcos administration—had other plans for him.
In an interview with Biz Buzz, Atienza revealed that he was supposed to be the running mate of former Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso in this year’s midterm elections.
However, Domagoso, who wants to take back his old seat at City Hall, ended up with Arnold’s sister, Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza.
When asked why he accepted the call to lead the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), he said, “Binigay sa akin ‘to, dito na ako. (This was given to me, I’ll stay here). Less headache.”
“I need to campaign [to win in the elections]. At least [in the executive branch], I’m assured that I have a job. Even when you’re running, you’re practically applying for a job … I prefer serving in the executive branch,” he added.
Atienza recalled his discussion with his friend, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who offered him this position a few months ago.
He said Tiu Laurel had given him a free hand to implement projects and programs aimed at advancing the Philippine fiber industry’s growth.
“And then his last words were ‘good luck’ … He really said ‘good luck,’” he said.
When he asked Tiu Laurel why he said that, Atienza narrated, “Ang dami ng umupo diyan, either umaayaw o tinatanggal ko (Many have held that position before, either they resigned or I removed them).”
This isn’t Atienza’s first time in public service, and he wants to make a difference in the fiber sector.
So it’s goodbye to politics for Atienza, at least for now.
