Expect a neck-and-neck battle between incumbent Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and former environment secretary Lito Atienza in the upcoming May 10 elections, according to a survey result released by the Manila Research Associates Sunday.

It will be a showdown between Lim and his fiercest rival Atienza with the latter notching slightly ahead against the incumbent Manila mayor during a recent survey conducted by the firm among 5,000 respondents in the six districts of the city last April 27-29.

Based on the result, Atienza led the survey with 48.26 percent while Lim closely trail behind him by 7 points, garnering at least 41.24 percent in the survey. Far behind the two was former Philippine National Police chief Avelino Razon with only 9.25 percent.

In the survey, Atienza was chosen by the majority because of his track records as a former mayor and former Cabinet member and due to his pro-poor projects.

Lim, on the other hand, was preferred by Manilans for his crimebusting capability while those who chose Razon are those who wanted to have an alternative leader in the city.

The same survey also indicated that former president and Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino standard bearer Joseph Estrada and running mate Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay led the polls in Manila.

Sought for his comment, Atienza thanked those who had professed their support to him and his whole "Buhayin ang Maynila" ticket which he said was also leading the local positions in the upcoming elections.

Atienza vowed to continue the projects of outgoing mayor but will also revive other public service programs that would help Manilans once seated as mayor of the city.

Citing an example, Atienza said that he would implement organized vending in Manila so that vendors would receive licenses and therefore, will be free from police harrasment.