CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Mayor Oscar Rodriguez finally decided to seek reelection in the coming 2010 polls, effectively putting down the civic leaders’ and non-government groups’ clamor for him to run for governor.

Rodriguez told Sun.Star Pampanga that he was not totally happy with the decision but assured that he has given it much thought after consultations with his family, friends and core group of loyal supporters.

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“It’s the mayoralty race for me. I am keeping up with my former stand that it should be Governor Eddie Panlilio who should run for governor again in 2010,” Rodriguez said in the vernacular over a phone interview.

He added that Panlilio now remains to be the only best choice for the 2010 gubernatorial race.

Rodriguez asked the clamor proponents, mostly former supporters of Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio, to try to look for another possible candidate aside from him.

It could be remembered that a coalition of pro-good governance groups launched last October 15 the “Oca for Governor Movement” in a bid to convince Rodriguez to run in the 2010 polls as a possible “alternative” to traditional gubernatorial candidates.

Presently, former governor and incumbent Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid and Vice Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao have declared their intention to run for governor, while Lubao Mayor Dennis Pineda has also been urged by many mayors to consider running for the chief provincial post.

The clamor was launched as Panlilio made it public that he opts to go back to his priestly ministry and with former supporters of the priest-turned-governor opting for a more competent candidate for good governance.

“My mission in San Fernando is not yet over and I believe I can do more here,” Rodriguez, who once planned to run for governor six years ago, said. He added that he will continue his legacy in the city and strengthen political ties with his city councilors more.

Rodriguez said he told Panlilio about his decision on not to run for governor.

One civic society leader, who refused to be named, said many of the leaders are now “rocking” their heads to find winnable and competent alternatives to continue the crusade for good governance, a crusade that brought Panlilio his winning victory in the 2007 gubernatorial race despite the presence of moneyed and experienced rivals.

Panlilio, for his part, said he was saddened by the decision of Rodriguez. He assured that “negotiations” are now underway.

However, Panlilio refused to elaborate on the ongoing talks but assured that it has something to do with the 2010 gubernatorial race.