Mayor: Congressional race abnormal

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Mayor Oscar Rodriguez branded on Monday as “abnormal” the congressional race and situation in the third district of Pampanga.

Rodriguez, during talks with some media practitioners at his office at Heroes Hall, noted movements and positive developments in an independent survey where he has gained the upper hand.

Rodriguez is bidding to make a comeback at the House of Representatives against incumbent Congressman Aurelio Gonzales Jr.

“The political situation in the third district is abnormal. That is because even those who are not from the Liberal Party are supporting my bid back to Congress,” Rodriguez said.

He described the supporters coming from various political affiliations as “friends” and not “foes” who share with him the common advocacy of good governance and serving the greater part of the towns of Bacolor, Mexico, Sta. Ana and Arayat, just what was done for the City of San Fernando in the last eight years and three months.

“Hindi naman opposition ito but actually galing sa ibang partido who have professed their support for us. And that could be noted in our latest survey,” he added.

The survey, which he shared with mediamen, was conducted December 22 and 23 last year, where 3,154 respondents from the third district were asked on their preferences for various posts -- including the congressional race -- in the coming May 2013 polls.

Of the sampled size, 47 percent (1,482 respondents) indicated leanings toward Rodriguez, while 41 percent or 1,303 posted preference for Gonzales, with 369 or 12 percent still undecided on their choices.

“And I haven’t really worked that hard yet,” Rodriguez said.