House confers posthumous congressional medal on Robredo

MANILA -- The widow of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo personally received on Wednesday her husband's posthumous Congressional Medal of Achievement at the House of Representatives.

Leni Robredo was accompanied by her daughter, Jillian, during a simple ceremony at the House led by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

The Congressional Medal of Achievement honors "political, economic, and cultural leaders who have distinguished themselves through their life work and their vision." World boxing champion and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao was previously given similar award.

Robredo died in a tragic plane crash off the coast of Masbate City last August 18. He was on his way home to Naga City when the Piper Seneca plane he boarded with three others in Cebu crashed allegedly due to engine failure.

House Resolution 280 conferring the congressional medal to Robredo was authored by Belmonte, Deputy Speaker Lorenzo Tañada III, Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II, Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, and Representatives Joseph Emilio Abaya (Cavite) and Henedina Abad (Batanes). It was adopted on August 28.

The distinction was given to the late Interior Secretary for his "immeasurable contributions in promoting good governance and practicing the tenets of a real democratic and participatory government."

"Robredo is regarded as a pillar of good governance, introducing participatory democracy, enabling breakthrough improvements in local governance," the resolution states.

The lawmakers praised Robredo's reforms, including the Full Disclosure Policy, which requires local government units to disclose documents that show how funds are spent.

Earlier Wednesday, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) posthumously bestowed on the late official a Plaque of Distinction honoring his contributions to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

"His exemplary leadership coupled with trailblazing reform initiatives as a servant leader played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Napolcom as the administering and controlling body of the Philippine National Police," read the plaque.

The plaque was handed over to Leni Robredo by Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Officer, Commissioner Eduardo Escueta, Napolcom Commissioners Constancia de Guzman, Luisito Palmera, Alejandro Urro and Ex-Officio Commissioner and Philippine National Police chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome.

As former head of the DILG, Jesse Robredo also served as chairman of the Napolcom. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)