Robredo wake transferred to Palace today

MANILA, Philippines - The remains of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo will lie in state at Malacañang’s Kalayaan Hall starting today to allow people to pay their last respects.

Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office said the wake at Kalayaan Hall will be from Friday to Sunday as part of the state funeral for Robredo.

Robredo’s wife Maria Leonor had requested people to give donations, in lieu of flowers, to his favorite charity organizations: Physicians for Peace Philippines Inc., Walking Free and Resource Center for the Blind programs in particular, Missionaries for the Poor and Project Jose, he added.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Robredo said when her husband was alive he already told his family that he wanted to be cremated when he dies.

“So most probably we will be following his wishes that he be cremated,” she said. Mrs. Robredo said they are making preparations for her husband to be buried in Naga City.

“We want him to be buried here so it will be easy to visit him,” she said.

Mrs. Robredo was thankful to those who offered burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani for her husband.

“We feel very honored by the offer but we are very sure that Jess would want to be buried here in Naga, which has always been his home and where he spent his happy days,” she said. “So we will be doing him a great disservice if he is not buried here.”

Robredo’s body will be taken to Naga City for interment on Tuesday.

The public may view the remains from 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

During the public viewing, public access to Kalayaan Hall will be through Gate 7.

For family and friends, access will be through Gate 6. For food and other donations, these can be sent to Gate 4.

Quezon said it is fitting to hold the wake in Kalayaan Hall, the symbol of the restoration of democracy.

“A quarter century ago, (then) President Corazon C. Aquino renamed the edifice, formerly known as Maharlika Hall, to Kalayaan Hall to commemorate the restoration of democracy in the Philippines,” read the bulletin from the committee.

“As part of the generation inspired to enter public service by the EDSA people power revolution, it is only fitting that the late secretary lie in state in Kalayaan Hall, Malacañan Palace. “Kalayaan Hall is the oldest extant section of Malacañan Palace, having been built in the American era. It is likewise one of the most intact pre-war buildings in the Philippines where governors-general and, later on, presidents of the Philippines prior to martial law held office. Situated amid sprawling grounds, it is most accessible to the public that would wish to pay final respects to the late secretary.”

Quezon said President Aquino himself would lead the ceremonies for Robredo.

Pallbearers are Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya as Liberal Party representatives, Harvey Keh of Kaya Natin! movement, Alice Murphy of urban poor groups and Joan de la Cruz of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, he added.

Quezon said there will be no dress code for people wishing to pay their respects to Robredo, as Aquino has ordered officials to ensure that all Filipinos would be given the chance to see him. “It’s up to us because we know what is right,” he said.

Quezon said this would be the first time a wake will be held in Kalayaan Hall.

“From the point of view of everyone, the (place) is dignified and an appropriate place for a wake,” he said.

Quezon said the pallbearers were chosen based on the wishes of the family, on who they feel should have the privilege and honor of accompanying the remains “as it is taken from place to place.” – With Alexis Romero, Celso Amo