MANILA, Philippines - The European Union conveyed yesterday its condolences to the family of the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and to the Philippine government on the passing of a “champion of good governance.”
“Secretary Robredo will always be remembered as a devoted public servant who personally contributed to the successful cooperation between the European Union and the Philippines in the area of the promotion of good governance,” said Lubomir Frebort, charges d’affaires of the EU Delegation to the Philippines.
“Let me share our sentiments of loss and sorrow at the passing away of this champion of good governance, whose entire career was single-mindedly devoted to the service of his country and his people. It was under his helm that the Department of the Interior and Local Government initiated the good seal of housekeeping to ensure the transparency and accountability in the local government sector,” Frebort said.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario also expressed condolences to the Robredo family.
“On behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and my family, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Mrs. Robredo and the family of the late secretary. We are deeply saddened by the loss of a dedicated public servant who was the embodiment of good and honest governance,” Del Rosario said.
“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,” he said.
Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Cuisia Jr. extended his sympathy to the family of Robredo.
“On behalf of the members of my family and the officers and staff of the Philippine embassy in Washington, D.C., I extend our most sincere condolences on the tragic passing of Secretary Jesse Robredo,” Cuisia said. “He leaves a legacy for others to emulate.” – With Jose Rodel Clapano