CLARK FREEPORT – Making a comeback bid in an apparently late decision, former Congressman and Mayor Oscar Rodriguez said he will emerge victorious even if he loses in the May 22 mayoralty elections.
“If I win, very good. Even if I lose, I will still be a winner because I gave my conscience a chance and no one can blame me (and say) that I did nothing in the midst of dark days,” Rodriguez said in a media conference.
He was guest at Balitaan here, a kapihan organized by Capampangan In Media, Inc. in cooperation with the Clark Development Corporation.
Political observers say that most of his political leaders and allies have already committed to other mayoralty aspirants that include incumbent Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin and Board Member Rosve Henson.
He said that he feels to be whole again now that he is back in the political arena as mayoralty aspirant for City of San Fernando.
“Running for mayor again feels like some baggage has been taken off me,” Rodriguez said.
He said that going back to public service feels like a fulfillment of promise made to many Fernandinos. He said that this is one of the reasons why he feels unburdened and is now back in the political fray.
“Nabanggit ko na bubuksan ko ang pinto ng paninilbihan sa ating mga kababayan,” Rodriguez said, recalling the same promise he made to the late businessman Levi P. Laus shortly before the latter died.
He said he is also back in the running to support the Leni-Kiko tandem whom he said is “making sacrifices”.
“Hindi ka pwede umalis o tumakas sa prinsipyo. Nakita ko meron pang pwang sa pagbabago. This is the last opportunity to do that and transform and (usher) new beginnings,” he said.
Rodriguez said that he has the full support of wife and children in his comeback bid as it was even them who asked him to consider the last day for substitution last Nov. 15.
