Robredo found dead; supporters mourn

CAGAYAN de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma expressed feelings of great loss over the death of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo.

“We will miss him,” Ledesma said, adding that Robredo championed good governance and transparency among local government units (LGUs).

Robredo’s body was found around 8:15 a.m. Tuesday -- 800 meters off Masbate -- four days after the Piper Seneca carrying him and three others crashed off Masbate on Saturday.

Ledesma said Robredo has left a legacy that is ought to be carried out by those in the government, especially in keeping transparency, honesty and good governance.

“My condolences and sympathy to the family of Robredo who left us a lasting legacy,” Ledesma said.

Misamis Oriental Vice Governor Norris Babiera hopes the death of Robredo will spark the start of good governance revolution.

“I cried upon learning of his tragic death. I hope his death will spark the start of good governance revolution as we also commemorate the 29th death anniversary of Ninoy that sparked the Edsa revolution,” Babiera said in a text message.

As soon as Robredo assumed the leadership of DILG, institutional reforms in local governance, among them the full disclosure policy (FDP), was among his noteworthy legacies that is crucial for the country’s “matuwid na daan.”

In a statement posted at the DILG website, Solita Monsod, chairperson of Movement for Good Governance, said “it is crucial that the reforms Robredo has begun be continued and that his replacement would make sure that the ideals he fought for be protected.”

“Up until the night before his departure for Cebu, Robredo has been pushing his management team to find more effective ways to advance reforms in local governance and the interior sector. He was particularly focused on drumming up public support for the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP), an instrument that he hoped would advance transparency and accountability in local governance,” an official DILG statement reads.

According to the statement, 99 percent or 1,697 of LGUs already complied with the policy, that is, to disclose in public places 12 key financial documents to show how funds are spent.

The FDP is the crown jewel of Robredo’s work in local governance, which is a requirement for the conferment of the Seal of Good Housekeeping.

The Seal of Good Housekeeping is awarded to LGUs annually for honesty and excellence in local governance. Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental received the award recently.

“As of June 2012, 856 LGUs who have qualified for the SGH have been granted P1.1 billion from the Performance Challenge Fund -- money that based on the guidelines are spent for the poorest of the poor,” the DILG statement reads.

“Lagi ko pong sinabi na itinaas na natin ang antas o sukat ng paglilingkod. Hindi na sapat na tayo ay matino lamang. Hindi rin sapat na tayo at mahusay lamang. Hindi lahat ng matino ay mahusay, at lalo namang hindi lahat ng mahusay ay matino. Ang dapat ay matino at mahusay upang karapat dapat tayong pagkatiwalaan ng pera ng bayan,” the Secretary is fond of saying.

On Saturday, the small piper plane carrying Robredo, his aide and two pilots crashed 150 meters away from Masbate airport as it attempted to make an emergency landing due to engine trouble. Robredo’s body was found 180-feet deep inside the fuselage of the plane. Only his aide survived.