Friday, June 15, 2007 Mayor Rodriguez sworn into 2nd term in office By Albert B. Lacanlale
SAN Fernando CityMayor Oscar Rodriguez officially assumed his second term in office on Thursday with a mission of pursuing his eight-point program that spelled significant developments in the city.
Rodriguez, reelected with a wide margin over his political opponents in the last May 14 elections, was sworn into office by no less than Chief Justice Reynato Puno at the Supreme Court (SC) building in Malate, Manila.
The mayor said he chose to take his oath of office before Puno whom he described as a "man of integrity" and a magistrate he deeply respects.
Rodriguez's oath taking was witnessed by his wife and children and some of his most trusted lieutenants, including City Administrator Sonia Soto and City Engineer Ferdinand Caylao. Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Quirino Marquinez was also present to personally congratulate the mayor.
Marquinez said he had been long acquainted with Rodriguez and he always admired the mayor's work attitude and integrity.
"I am happy for Mayor Rodriguez, who is truly a man of honor and integrity," he said.
Rodriguez's eight-point agenda, which paid extra focus on education, may also form the foundation of the mayor's succeeding three years.
Starting off as a human rights lawyer, Rodriguez held various government posts.
He had been the provincial administrator of former Pampanga governor Bren Guiao. He was also elected congressman in the province's third district during which he sponsored various bills that are aimed at uplifting the quality of life for the poor.
A lawyer by profession, Rodriguez was among the prosecutors in the impeachment trial of deposed President Joseph Estrada, earning national prominence and pride for the Kapampangan people.
In 2004, Rodriguez ran for mayor in San Fernando and won by a wide margin over equally prominent rivals. As mayor, he was a recipient of various awards, including the recognition as fourth Most Outstanding Mayor in the world.
Rodriguez, a product of the public school program, championed education in the city. His administration took radical steps in uplifting quality of education by constructing two-storey school buildings in the city's 35 barangays.
