Divers, Sereno visit Robredo’s wake

MANILA, Philippines – They helped retrieve his body from the sea and on Saturday, August 25, came to visit the man who lies in state in Malacañang for the second day.

Philippine Navy divers, who took part in search and retrieval operations for the body of the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo in the waters of Masbate, paid him tribute during his ongoing state funeral in the Palace’s Kalayaan Hall.

The divers joined other Filipinos who visited Robredo’s remains during the last day of the public viewing of his body in Manila, said the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office through its Twitter account.

Like them, Chief Justice Ma Lourdes Sereno, who took her oath of office in Malacañang on Saturday, attended Robredo’s wake. When she was named chief magistrate on Friday, August 24, Sereno said she will pursue her job with Robredo’s inspiration.

“My thoughts are also with the family of Secretary Robredo. They can be assured that the good governance initiatives started from the life of a very good man will find resonance here in our court,” Sereno said.

Robredo, one of the Philippines’ most awarded local leaders, transformed Naga City into first class from third class when he was its long-time mayor. (Watch more in the video below.)

Other personalities in Robredo’s wake on Saturday included former President Fidel V Ramos, the Palace said. On Friday evening, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle also visited Robredo’s wake and prayed over his casket.

The public viewing of Robredo’s remains will end at 5 pm, and will be followed by a public mass for him. The day’s tribute for Robredo will end with a series of memorial services – one sponsored by the Liberal party at 7 pm, and another sponsored by his fellow Cabinet members at 8:15 pm.

He will be buried in Naga on Tuesday, August 28. – Rappler.com