‘Robredo did not treat us like trash, eyesore’

MANILA, Philippines – “Tinuring niya kaming kapantay. ‘Di niya kami tiningnan bilang basura o eyesore ng lipunan (He treated us like equals. He did not treat us as trash or an eyesore of society),” said a tearful Jennyln David of the Alliance of Relocated People.

Tears and tributes poured in for the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo at the Kalayaan Hall of Malacañang on Friday, August 24.

Cabinet Secretaries, local officials, and civil society leaders honored Robredo but representatives of urban poor groups were the most emotional in bidding Robredo farewell.

The community and barangay leaders Robredo worked with in informal settlements expressed the pain of losing a rare and key ally in government.

“Ipinakita niya ang tunay na kahulugan ng konsultasyon,” said David. “Siya ang sandalan at sumbungan naming tuwing inaapi ang aming sektor.” (He showed us the true meaning of consultation. He is our pillar and protector when our sector is being oppressed.)

The urban poor leaders said unlike many government officials, Robredo was accessible and genuinely concerned about their plight. Office hours or not, they said Robredo will not just reply to text messages but even call them when they asked for help.

Robredo was working on projects to ensure they find better and safer places to live in.

“Lagi siyang may positibong pananaw. Lagi niyang pinaalala na kung ‘di puwede, hanapan ng mekanismo para maging puwede,” said Bella Dela Rosa. (He always had a positive outlook. He always reminds us that if it’s not possible, we’ll find a way that will be feasible.)

Filomena Cinco, a community leader of Estero de San Miguel, noted the irony in Robredo’s constant reminder and his sudden death.

“’Kung nasa tubig kayo, hindi ko kayo maliligtas,’ lagi niya sinasabi sa amin. Tapos siya pala iyong nasa tubig.” (He would always tell us, ‘I cannot save you when you are in water.’ But he was the one who ended up in sea.)

 

‘Guapo beats trapo’

During the memorial service organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), officials and leaders hailed Robredo as an icon of effective and honest governance.

“Pinakita ni Sec Jess ang mga guwapo kayang talunin ang mga trapo. Mga guwapo: genuine, authentic politicians,” joked Dr Eddie Doroton, executive director of the Galing Pook Foundation.

Dorotan later turned serious, “Pinakita niya ang malinis na pamamahala: walang tongpats, walang pakiusap, walang pangingikil. Pinakita niya na kung ayaw ng mayor ng jueteng, pwedeng walang jueteng.” (He showed us clean governance: no kickbacks, favors, extortion. He showed us that if the mayor does not want jueteng, it’s possible to do away with jueteng.)

Dorotan said the Galing Pook Foundation will launch a Jesse Robredo Governance Award and lecture series in honor of the former Naga mayor.

Vincent Lazatin of the Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) said that under Robredo, the DILG collaborated with civil society.

“This kind of adulation, we’ve never seen this since President Cory died. We hope his legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched,” said Tan.

In an interview with Rappler, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson recalled that just last month, he was with Robredo and Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang en route to Tarlac for relief operations after the monsoon rain.

Their plane made an emergency landing but they were all safe. Ironically, weeks later, Robredo died in a plane crash.

Singson said Robredo will be sorely missed in the Cabinet.

“He’s such a pleasant person to deal with. Alam mo his motives are very clear. Di mo tatansyahin kung namumulitika ba siya. You know the motives are pure. I will really miss him.” (You know his motives are clear. You would not have to gauge if he is just politicking.) – Rappler.com

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