P-Noy: Robredo, a hero

MANILA, Philippines - In the eyes of President Benigno Aquino III, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo died a hero.

"Bukas ay ihahatid natin sa kanyang huling hantungan ang isang tapat at mabuting pinuno na si Kalihim Jesse Robredo," Aquino said in his speech at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in celebration of the National Heroes Day on Monday, August 27.

"Bayani siyang pinili ang simpleng pamumuhay; tinutukan ang kapakanan ng kapwa bago ang sarili, at nangibabaw ang kanyang prinsipyo laban sa transaksyonalismo," the President added.

Robredo will be brought to his last resting place in Naga City on Tuesday afternoon.

The late secretary's exemplary public service earned him international recognition. Majority of the awards given to Robredo were given to him while he was serving as mayor of Naga City.

He served as mayor of Naga City for 19 years from 1988 to 1998 and 2001 to 2010. Aquino appointed him as sectary of the Department of Interior and Local Government in 2010.

Robredo died after his plane crashed in waters off Masbate City last August 18. The plane's two pilots also died while Robredo's aide escaped the accident alive.

The secretary was returning to Naga City when the accident happened.

His body was recovered three days (August 21) after the crash, 800 meters from the shore of Masbate City and 180 feet below sea level.

As soon as the secretary's death was confirmed, social networking sites and news sites were flooded with praises for Robredo.

From Masbate City, his remains were flown to his waiting family in Naga City. On Friday, the body was brought to Malacañang.

The secretary's body was returned to Naga City on Sunday morning and brought straight to the city hall. From the city hall, the body was then brought to the Basilica Minore de Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia.