House awards posthumous congressional medal to Robredo

MANILA -- Leaders of the House of Representatives have filed a resolution conferring a posthumous Congressional Medal of Achievement to the late Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo.

The distinction is sought for Robredo's "immeasurable contributions in promoting good governance and practicing the tenets of a real democratic and participatory government."

Robredo died Saturday in a tragic plane crash off the coast of Masbate City. He was on his way home to Naga City when the Piper Seneca plane crashed due to engine failure.

The Congressional Medal of Achievement seeks to "honor political, economic, and cultural leaders who have distinguished themselves through their life work and their vision."

House Resolution 2687 was authored by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Deputy Speaker Lorenzo Tañada III, Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II, Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, and Representatives Joseph Emilio Abaya (Cavite) and Henedina Abad (Batanes).

The legislators took note of the accomplishments of Robredo, who was the mayor of Naga City for 18 years before being appointed as DILG Secretary by President Benigno Aquino III.

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

The authors said Robredo's reforms, including the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP), have inspired not only government workers in the DILG but also other state agencies.

The FDP requires local government units to disclose documents that show how funds are spent.

"He personified rare qualities of integrity, ethical leadership and transparency in government service worthy of the acclamation bestowed upon him by the Filipino people," the resolution said.

In the present Congress, the House of Representatives also awarded its member, boxing icon and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao, the same distinction.

On Wednesday, Malacañang welcomed the proposal for the Commission on Appointments to confirm Robredo as head of the Department of Interior and Local Government posthumously.

The Senate, however, is yet to study if a posthumous confirmation is possible as it has never been done before.

The posthumous confirmation was proposed by Alagad party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta hours after Robredo’s body was retrieved three days after the crash.

Robredo was first appointed as acting secretary of DILG on July 19, 2010.

President Benigno Aquino III subsequently issued an ad interim appointment for Robredo from June 13, 2011 extended to October 13, 2011. It was again extended from December 15, 2011 to March 24, 2012, and June 7, 2012, said Lacierda.

His confirmation hearing was earlier set August 15, but was reset on August 29. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)