CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - It’s official: former city Mayor and Third District Representative Oscar “Oca” Rodriguez has dropped his supposed comeback bid as local chief executive of the City of San Fernando.
Rodriguez made the announcement to SunStar Pampanga on the evening of his personal deadline, November 28, ahead of the last day for substitution allowed by the Commission on Elections for candidates that do not share the same surname.
Rodriguez said that incumbent Mayor Edwin Santiago has “reconnected” with and assured the Liberal Party (LP) that he did not abandon his membership and will fulfill his responsibilities to the party.
The LP, through Secretary General Quezon City Representative Jose Christopher Belmonte, earlier urged Rodriguez to reclaim the mayoralty seat after Santiago allegedly “dropped” the party when he filed his certificate of candidacy.
“I was called because there was a need for the party and for the city. But the incumbent mayor and the party were able to settle the discord and address the concerns. He [Santiago] also assured the party that he remains a member and will fulfill his duties as one,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said that the understanding between Santiago and the party was a signal for him to officially drop the party’s invitation, and pursue his life as a plain citizen and a family man to his children and grandchildren.
“It was somehow a relief because I will be able to fulfill my promise to the children that I will spend more time with them after three decades of dedicating my life serving the people,” he stressed.
While the development extended Rodriguez’s hiatus in politics, he still stressed that he is not closing his doors for a possible comeback bid for public office in future elections.
“It’s just three years. We’ll see what fate will bring. If there will be a need again, it is my moral obligation to respond. For now, I will spend quality time with my children and grandchildren first,” he said.
Santiago disclosed that he already discussed the concern with Rodriguez and assured him and the LP that he will remain with the party.
“I never turned my back on the party. I reassured them that I will fulfil my obligations and duties. In fact, I reiterated my promise to Pareng Oca that we will continue what he started during his time, which we are actually doing now. I am very happy that everything has been clarified and settled,” Santiago said.