Basilica Minore de Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, Naga City
28 August 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred posthumously to the late Interior and Local Government Sec. Jesse Robredo the Philippine Legion of Honor, with the rank of Chief Commander, during the State Funeral held at the Basilica Minore in Naga City.

Atty. Leni Robredo, widowed wife of the secretary, accepted the conferment honors. The award is considered as the highest recognition a President can bestow without the approval from Congress. Sec. Robedo was conferred this honor for his life achievement as secretary of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and as mayor of Naga City.

In his eulogy, President Aquino reminisced the happy moments shared with Sec. Robredo during videoke sessions. “Kay Jesse, what you see is what you get. Tahimik at masipag siyang nagtratrabaho. Hindi siya nagpadala sa kapangyarihan. Sa kabila ng naabot niya, nanatiling simple ang kanyang pamumuhay, hindi nalalayo sa karaniwang taong napakalapit sa kanyang puso,” he said.

President Aquino also called Sec. Robredo a trailblazer towards change. “Hindi siya naging kuntento sa status quo; pinatunayan niya sa Naga na posible ang pagbabago… Pinatunayan niyang puwede palang magtagumpay sa pulitika nang hindi nagiging trapo,” he added.

The President urged everyone to continue what Sec. Robredo has started and to live by the secretary’s simple life and exemplary dedication to public service in government office.

After the state funeral, the secretary was given full military honors before his cortege headed to Eternal Gardens where his remains will be cremated.

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