Condolences and prayers continue to pour in for DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, whose death was confirmed after his body was recovered in waters off Masbate City on Tuesday morning. A plane carrying Robredo had crashed in Masbate Bay on Saturday, and search and recovery operations continue for two pilots who were with him in the accident.
Vice President Jejomar Binay: "I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Sec. Robredo. I urge everyone to pray for them, that they trust God’s plan for all of us. They need our wholehearted prayers and support," he said in a statement.
Senator Franklin Dilon: "Our country is grieving for we have just lost a man who had manifested genuine sincerity to serve his country. Truly, he was one of a kind public servant. I was honored to have worked with Secretary Jesse on various projects to advance developments in the LGUs. Also, I salute Secretary Jesse for sharing vision with us and for helping us in crafting sound policies in the Liberal Party where he belonged."
Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa: “I join my colleagues in the Cabinet and the whole nation in mourning the passing of Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and pilots Capt. Jessup Bahinting and Kshitiz Chand.”
“Secretary Robredo was 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 government as an instrument for positive change.”
“Our prayers go out to the families of Secretary Robredo and his companions, as well as to his constituents in Naga and the officials and employees of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, who lost a leader who tirelessly worked and contributed greatly to President Aquino's campaign for good governance as a means to improve the lives of our countrymen.”
Palace spokesperson Edwin Lacierda: "Jesse has passed. The nation has lost one of her finest servant-leaders. Join us in mourning and tribute."
Lacierda also announced that a mass will be held for the repose of the soul of Robredo at 11 am at the La Salle Greenhills. "We invite all who deeply feel his loss to join us," he added.
Secretary Sonny Coloma:"Secretary 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. Our thoughts and prayers go with his family."
Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad: “His unflagging sense of integrity and diligence served as an example to many of his colleagues in and outside government. These same qualities have made him a most valuable and highly regarded member of President Aquino’s cabinet.”
Under Robredo’s leadership, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) “was able to make significant breakthroughs in establishing good governance practices among local government units and key government institutions,” Abad said.
“As brief as Sec. Jesse’s term was, we fervently believe that the reforms he championedin the DILG will be sustained faithfully long after his passing.”
Education Secretary Armin Luistro: "As a fellow Lasallian, I mourn an outstanding alumnus who has been a example of what it means to use one's gifts for service. As 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."
"Isabuhay natin ang sinimulan ni Jesse!" he said.
Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III: "Goodbye, Jesse Robredo. Salamat sa lahat ng ginawa mo para sa Bayan."
Quezon then quoted the words of Indian statesman Jawaharlal Nehru on the passing of Gandhi:
"The light has gone out of our lives and there is darkness everywhere…The light has gone out, I said, and yet I was wrong. For the light that shone in this country was no ordinary light. The light that has illumined this country for these many years will illumine this country for many more years, and a thousand years later, that light will be seen in this country and the world will see it and it will give solace to innumerable hearts. For that light represented something more than the immediate past, it represented the living, the eternal truths, reminding us of the right path, drawing us from error, taking this ancient country to freedom."
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority chief Joel Villanueva: "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.”
"Death ended his life, but not the inspiration that he instilled in all of us to always do what is good. For this, he will always live in our hearts," Villanueva added.
The British embassy also extended condolences to the family of Robredo: "The British embassy is saddened by the death of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government of the Philippines and the family of Secretary Robredo."
Canadian Ambassador Christopher Thornley: "The Government of Canada would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the family of Secretary Robredo, the Government of the Philippines and the Filipino people. He will be remembered as a leader who ushered in a new era of political reform in the Philippines, and inspired government workers to selfless devotion in public service. He was an icon of change and a passionate advocate of good governance.”
“Secretary Robredo is recognized for his contributions to government transparency and democratic development; values that Canada strongly shares with the Philippines. He will be sincerely missed by the Filipino people, including the 600,000 Canadians of Filipino origin.” With Joseph Ubalde, Chichi Conde, Clara Masinag for InterAksyon.com
source: interaksyon.com
