Club Filipino, San Juan City
8 August 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III remembers the fun times shared with the late Sec. Jesse Robredo as member of his Cabinet until the latter’s tragic demise almost a year ago.

“Hanggang ngayon, sariwa pa rin sa isip ko ang punto na inabisuhan akong hindi raw mahanap ang sasakyan niyang eroplano. Pagkabahala ang una kong naramdaman noon, at ora mismo, gusto ko nang lumipad patungong Masbate,” he said.

According to the President, facing Sec. Jesse’s wife, newly-elected Camarines Sur  Congresswoman Leni Robredo, was the hardest thing he had done in all his life — being the bearer of bad news to the family. He added that he could not bear to experience the same loss with any member of his Cabinet.

President Aquino urged all government officials present at the dinner to continuously be inspired by the kind of leadership Sec. Jesse Robredo had exemplified.

“Kay Jesse: Maraming salamat sa serbisyo, sa alaala, at siyempre, sa inspirasyong iniwan mo sa amin. Alam naming nagawa mong harapin ang Diyos, nang walang bagahe o pagsisisi, dahil natupad mo ang misyon mo rito sa lupa. At anumang iniwan mo, kami nang bahala rito, hindi ka bibiguin ng Pilipino,” he said.

The commemoration dinner was organized by the Kaya Natin! Movement as part of the month-long activities to honor Sec. Jesse Robredo’s inspiring leadership.

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