CLARK FREEPORT — Former mayor Oscar Rodriguez has considered his comeback bid through the May 9, 2022 national and local elections a “sacrifice” for the City of San Fernando and its residents.
While he found three of his four rivals to be “formidable,” Rodriquez said he was disappointed with some national candidates who have mocked democratic institutions.
“I have no money and machinery but I’m running because there is a need. [Vice President] Leni [Robredo] and [Sen.] Kiko [Pangilinan] have sacrificed [by running on platforms of genuine changes]. Who am I not to sacrifice?” he said at the weekly forum of the Capampangan in Media Inc. here on Friday.
“I want to be meaningful till the end,” said Rodriguez, 76. “I act in the interest of the majority.”
He said that by helping the Leni-Kiko tandem, “I will be helping the country.”
During the forum, he wore a pink shirt, the signature campaign color of Robredo who he described to be “courageous and sincere.”
He completed his three terms as mayor in 2013 after representing Pampanga’s third district four times, completing 30 years in public office including serving as provincial administrator in the time of the late Gov. Bren Guiao.
After filing his candidacy as substitute for Liberal Party’s Lusito Samson, Rodriguez said he “felt light.”
He said his five children permitted him to run for public office this time. In running again, he thinks he fulfilled his promise to a friend and civic leader, businessman Levy Laus.
Rodriguez clarified he never supported Dolores Barangay Captain Vilma Caluag in 2019. She is making a second attempt to be mayor as candidate of the ruling party PDP-Laban.
Also in the running are Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin of the Aksyon Demokratiko, Provincial Board Member Rosve Henson of Kambilan and Sandy Quiwa, an independent.
