IT IS now a four-way mayoral race in the City of San Fernando after former mayor and congressman Oscar Rodriguez filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for mayor on Monday, November 15, 2021.

Rodriguez went to the local Commission on Elections office on the last day of substitution to replace his cousin, Lucito Samson, who earlier filed and withdrew his COC for the same position.

In an interview with CLTV36 news and DwRW 95.1 FM's "talakayan," Rodriguez said he decided to join the mayoralty race as a result of several developments that transpired in the past days.

"Nakapagdesisyon na ang pamilya ko na hindi na ako hahabol pero nung gabi bago ang last day ng substitution, tinanong ako ng panganay ko kung ano ang desisyon ko," he said.

"Nagbiro ako na sabi ko lalaban ako dahil hindi ko nagugustuhan ang nangyayari sa national at nagulat ako na sabi niya dapat ayusin ko na ang mga papel ko kaya tinake ko iyon as blessing from them," he added.

Rodriguez added that it is now up to Fernandinos who will they choose and vote as their leader in the coming election.

"Ang sa akin lang, pinakinggan ko ang bulong ng konsensya ko at ang utos ng panahon, pangangailangan at ng bayan," he said.

If given a chance, Rodriguez said he will focus on addressing the pandemic, especially its effects on the businesses and the people, and farmers.

Rodriguez will be facing Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, Board Member Rosve Henson, and Association of Barangay Captains President Vilma Caluag in the mayoralty race in next year’s polls.