Leni Robredo: Jesse admired longtime friend Mar

MANILA, Philippines - Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo on Tuesday heaped praises on Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II.

Speaking at the Jesse Robredo Day Multi-Sectoral Forum in Naga City, Robredo cited the "goodness" shown by Roxas to her family.

Robredo said her late husband looked up to Roxas. She said in jest that she used to call the incumbent interior secretary as Jesse's second spouse.

"Higit pa sa pagiging magkaibigan, isa rin po kayo sa mga taong pinaniwalaan at hinangaan ng aking asawa mula noon pa man," she said.

She said Roxas was a longtime friend of her late husband, whose third death anniversary was commemorated today.

"Mula noong nabubuhay pa ang aking asawa hanggang ngayon, marahil ay marami po ang hindi nakakaalam ngunit matagal nang matalik na magkaibigan ni Jesse," she said.

Robredo also revealed that Roxas helped her husband to complete his graduate studies in Harvard.

In his speech, Roxas vouched for the integrity and leadership of Robredo, calling him a simple, quiet worker and a decent man who does not seek praises for his accomplishments.

"Hindi siya mahilig magpataasan ng boses sa entablado at magpapogi sa media," Roxas said.

He also recalled the grief he endured during Robredo's death three years ago.

"I will never forget that sinking feeling, that hollowness that followed after determining that Jesse was no longer with us," he said.

Roxas assured to Robredo's family that the government will continue the reforms initiated by the late Cabinet official.