Gov’t mourns Robredo’s death

By Marie Angelie Villapando

Tuesday 21st of August 2012

QUEZON CITY, Aug. 21 -- As the nation commemorates the death of Ninoy Aquino, the nation also mourns the death of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo who perished in a plane crash off Masbate shores, Saturday afternoon.

His body was found by technical divers today after three days of unrelenting search and rescue operations, with President Aquino personally overseeing the operations.

Several top government officials expressed their tribute to Robredo who was described as a champion of good governance.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa in a statement said, �€œSecretary Robredo is a dedicated public servant and a champion of good governance , whose track record in public service has been an inspiration to all those who believe in governance as a positive instrument for positive change.�€�

Education Secretary Armin Luistro who like Robredo was a La Sallian said, �€œWe in the cabinet mourn Sec. Jesse's passing as an icon of good governance and faithful stewardship.�€�

�€œAs a Filipino, I am urged by Sec Jesse's legacy to continue to believe that there are good men and women who are willing to sacrifice and give their lives for the sake of our nation,�€� he added.

PCOO Secretary Sonny Coloma said, �€œSecretary Jesse Robredo served our people selflessly and honorably. He was an exemplary public servant, a pathfinder in implementing innovations in governance. He inspired all those with whom he worked by dint of his enthusiasm and devotion to duty.�€�

Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad underscored Robredo�€™s exceptional work as a public servant and his initiatives for good governance at the Department of Interior and Local Government.

�€œMany words have already been uttered to describe Sec. Jesse�€™s exceptional work as a public servant. His unflagging sense of integrity and diligence served as an example to many of his colleagues in and outside government, and these same qualities have made him a most valuable and highly regarded member of President Aquino�€™s cabinet. Under his leadership, the DILG was able to make significant breakthroughs in establishing good governance practices among local government units and key government institutions. As brief as Sec. Jesse�€™s term was, we fervently believe that the reforms he championed in the DILG will be sustained faithfully long after his passing,�€� Abad said.

Sec. Joel Villanueva of TESDA on the one hand lauded Robredo�€™s contributions to the provision of skills development and employment opportunities for his city's residents.

�€œRobredo was the only TESDA National Kabalikat awardee, who received his award not at the TESDA national headquarters, but in front of his constituents in Naga City. He was cited for his outstanding contributions in the provision of skills development and employment opportunities for his city's residents. We are saddened by the sudden demise of Secretary Jesse Robredo �€" one of the cornerstones of this administration and a person of extraordinary accomplishment, integrity and committed service,�€� Villanueva said.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Chief Nicanor Bartolome in a radio interview said that as a tribute to Robredo, he has directed the Philippine flags in all PNP offices to be flown at half mast.(PIA)
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