Secretary Albert F. del Rosario. Photo by DFA
MANILA, Philippines—Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario on Tuesday extended his sympathies to the family of the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, saying the nation lost a dedicated public servant.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a dedicated public servant who was the embodiment of good and honest governance. We pray with the whole nation that the Lord will give his family strength in this most difficult time. May they find comfort in His promise of eternal life for his children,” said a text message from Del Rosario forwarded by Raul Hernandez, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson.
On Tuesday morning, Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas broke the news that technical divers recovered Robredo’s body 800 meters from the shore at a depth of 180 feet at past 8 a.m.
Robredo is survived by his wife, lawyer Leni Mercado, and his three daughters—Aika, 23; Patricia, 18; and Jillian, 13.
Meanwhile, the Australian Embassy in Manila also joined the nation in mourning Robredo’s death.
In a statement sent to reporters, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddel said he wrote a letter to President Benigno Aquino III expressing his condolences to Robredo’s families and colleagues, and the two pilots Captain Jessup Bahinting and Kshitz Chand.
Former Australian premier John Howard (L) along with Australian ambassador to Philippines Bill Tweddel. AFP FILE PHOTO/ Saeed KHAN
Twedell, in the statement, noted how the Australian Embassy worked closely with Robredo on various development cooperation matters, particularly on mining issues, key consular cases, police cooperation, and peace and development efforts.
“Secretary Robredo will be remembered as a great man who served the Filipino people with distinction. He will also be remembered for his dedication to the fundamental pillars of President Aquino’s administration: good governance, transparency and the eradication of poverty,” Tweddell said.
Tweddell also lauded what he described as Robredo’s “impressive and well-recognized” track record as a mayor in Naga City.
Tweddell also noted Robredo’s instrumental role in introducing performance based reforms, such as “the seal of good housekeeping” that rewards local governments for improved transparency, during his tenure as DILG secretary.
“In my short time as Ambassador, I grew to regard Jesse Robredo with great respect and affection. He will be missed by Australia,” Tweddell said.