Jesse meets Great Scorer

TODAY, Tuesday, August 28, is the burial of DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo. The extraordinary executive from Naga City finally meets His Maker.

What's Jesse to us sports scribes in Bacolod City? He just happened to be the mayor of Naga City in 1997 when the Palarong Pambansa was held in Pacol. What is so special about him for us - Cyrus Garde of NDB, Nestor Padesio of PNA, the late Henry Villalva of Sun.Star and this writer?

We were the Scoop-Bacolod pool of sportswriters who woke up at two in the morning just to be ahead of the rest heading to the Pili (Camarines Sur) Sports Complex comfort rooms. Our combo was billeted in the adjacent building where we were all "floor leaders" covering the elementary and high school national competition.

When the Ched Games followed in Naga, Mayor Robredo was the guy who comforted us by accommodating us to a downtown hotel. Of course, it would not have been possible if not for the intercession of Mayor Bing Leonardia, who was a good friend of Jesse. We were not sure, though, if Naga and Bacolod were Sister Cities at that time.

So there you are. The goodness of Jesse Robredo. We never met him personally but the name sticks. He did not have the chance to see us eye to eye but he helped. Our only regret is that we never had the chance to shake his hands in appreciation of his kindness.

Just like the thousands who mourn for his passing and not able to view his remains for obvious reasons, we condole with the family.

How we wish there are more Jesses to come!

It was just unfortunate that we lost a good leader in the prime of his career like Ramon Magsaysay. Is it a coincidence that even in death, there is a similarity? Both took the airplane for their last trip. Only one survived the crash. The truth behind the air tragedy will surface later or never.

After all, life is a mystery. Would you believe that the bullet that killed John F. Kennedy came from the AR15 of a secret service seated in the car following the presidential vehicle? Or for Cory Aquino not to know who shot Ninoy?

Not even Jesse's skill in swimming and basketball could stop his destiny. His time has come to meet His Maker who saw him among the growing tired faces on earth. Time to say hi to St. Peter and goodbye to good governance.

As we always said time and again: good things never last and one term in office is too short for a good man; too long for the worst.

It seems we are heading for another long wait - just like the elusive Olympic gold.

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Take Three - - - - -

Wow! A NOPSSCEA opening countdown! We just hope that by the time the premier inter-schools meet opens, all credentials of athletes are in order. In short, we do not expect Tournament Managers/Commissioners to scratch and shake their heads in disbelief after knowing that disqualified players with incomplete papers were allowed to play.

Calling the attention of NOPSSCEA Screening Committee: what are those galleries for if the rules and eligibility requirement are not followed? Can we see an improvement this year?