PNoy declares August 18 as 'Jesse Robredo Day'

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III has signed the law declaring August 18 of every year as "Jesse Robredo Day."

Aquino signed on Wednesday Republic Act 10669 declaring the Jesse Robredo Day as a special working holiday.

Under the new law, the new holiday will be celebrated in all elementary and secondary schools in the country.

In the event that the holiday falls on a weekend, it shall be observed on the Friday of that week.

The Department of Education will plan and implement activities for the Jesse Robredo Day.

The agency shall ensure that Robredo's "legacy of good governance and leadership is given emphasis to encourage students to continue the same for the good and the Filipino people."

Robredo served as Naga City mayor for six terms and as interior and local government secretary under Aquino.

He died on Aug. 18, 2012 when the Piper Seneca plane he was riding crashed off the shore of Masbate Island.

Robredo has been extolled by many for his simplicity, humility, transparency and efficiency as a public servant. He received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service in 2000 for his achievements as a mayor.

During the commemoration of Robredo's third death anniversary on Tuesday, Aquino said Robredo's great political will raised Naga City's status from a third-class municipality to a first-class city.

Aquino thanked and lauded Robredo for the reforms he introduced in public service. He praised Robredo for standing up to everyone and for his principles.

"Napatunayan ni Jesse at ng mamamayan ng Naga: Hindi kinakailangang maging madumi ang pulitika. Puwedeng makamit ang mga layunin nang hindi isinasakripisyo ang mga prinsipyo," Aquino said.

"Hindi man natin siya kasama ngayon, mananatili sa ating mga puso at isipan kung paano namuhay at namuno si Jesse Manalastas Robredo: Ulirang ama at mapagmahal na asawa; mabuting kaibigan; at huwarang lingkod-bayan," the president also said.