National candidates mourn Boncodin passing (4:19 p.m.)

MANILA -- Presidential and vice-presidential aspirants alike gave their respects and admiration on the late Budget Secretary Emilia Boncodin.

Bangon Pilipinas bet Bro. Eddie Villanueva called on Filipinos to follow Boncodin’s example of living a simple life and “quiet dedication to public service.”

“During her time in Malacanang and even up to her death, Secretary Boncodin and her family lived a simple life in a simple house. That is the kind of civil servants we must have, in contrast to the officials we now have. She exemplified a life so worthy of emulation by every public servant,” Villanueva said.

“We hold her in high respect and we extend our condolences to her family and to the nation,” he added.

Nacionalista Party standard bearer Senator Manny Villar said Boncodin was “a great loss to our government and society.”

“In pursuing reforms, Emy was forthright and firm while remaining low-key and modest, earning the trust and admiration of her fellow civil servants....She will truly be missed,” Villar said.

Vice presidential bet Senator Mar Roxas of Liberal Party meanwhile described her as “a good friend” and that he mourns the “death of a reformer.”

“Her passing robs our nation of a bright mind who remained loyal to her principles of good governance and efficient government,” Roxas said.

Roxas and Boncodin were both colleagues in the early years of the Arroyo administration.

Boncodin served as budget chief from 2001-2005 while Roxas was re-appointed as trade and industry secretary following the ouster of President Joseph Estrada in January 2001.

Roxas quit the post in 2004 to give way for his senatorial bid, which he topped. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)