MANILA, Philippines - Nearly a year after the death of former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, President Benigno Aquino III said he doesn't want to lose another competent official in the government.
In his speech during a commemoration dinner for Robredo's death anniversary on Thursday night, Aquino said he won't forgive himself if his administration loses another esteemed leader.
"Hindi ho ako sigurado na talagang kakayanin ko na mga taong 'singhusay (ang) mawawala sa ating paligid nang talagang napakaagang panahon," Aquino said. "Pamilya na rin po ang turing ko kay Jesse at hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili ko kung may mangyayring ganito uli."
He said Robredo may have been gone, but he has inspired many officials and citizens alike, who should continue the legacy left by the late interior secretary.
"Hindi ba't panahon na para tayo naman ang kumilos? Kung sa iba't ibang anyo at paraan, nagawang baguhin ng isang tao, ni Jesse Robredo, ang mga buhay natin dahil sa pagsusumikap niyang humakbang at sumulong sa kabila ng kaliwa't kanang hamon, hindi ba't may tungkulin din tayong saluhin at simulan ang kanyang nasimulan?" Aquino said.
Robredo died on August 18, 2012 after the Piper Seneca plane he boarded crashed in waters off Masbate island.
The bodies of Robredo and pilot Captain Jessup Bahinting and Nepalese co-pilot Kshitiz Chandz were recovered after days of search.
Robredo served six terms as Naga City mayor and was awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service for his accomplishments as a local government executive.
Aquino appointed him as head of the Department of Interior and Local Government in 2010.
In his State of the Nation Address last month, Aquino said he blames himself for the death of Robredo, whom he described as one of the "excellent" public servants who "do not just transform a society" but who also "inspire."
"Apart from grieving, I could not avoid blaming myself for what happened to Jesse. Maybe if I had not asked him to join my Cabinet, he would still be alive today. Maybe if he had remained in Naga, he would still be with us. Maybe there would still be a Jesse Robredo in public service today," Aquino said.