Robredo to receive Quezon Service Cross

MANILA, Philippines – Even after his death, he continues to reap awards for his contribution to public service. 

The late interior secretary Jesse Robredo will be bestowed the highest honor in the country 100 days after his untimely demise in a plane crash. 

Robredo will be awarded Monday, November 26, the Quezon Service Cross, an honor given with the approval of both houses of Congress, in ceremonies to be held in Malacañang. 

Presidential spokersperson made the announcement Saturday, November 24, in an interview on government radio. 

“This is the highest award that the Republic of the Philippines can bestow to any Filipino. So ang history po niyan ibibigay po natin sa Official Gazette,” he said, adding that more information will soon be posted on the government website.

The award, proposed by former president Manuel Roxas in honor of another former president, Manuel Quezon, is given in recognition of “outstanding civilian service in the gift of the Republic.” Recipients are nominated by the President but approval is given by both Houses of Congress. 

Since its creation in 1946, only 4 people have received the award. With the recognition, Robredo joins the ranks of Carlos Romulo, Emilio Aguinaldo, Ramon Magsaysay and Benigno Aquino Jr. 

The posthumous award is just one of the many feathers in Robredo’s cap. In his lifetime, he received more than 140 awards and citations, one of which was the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service, Asia’s version of the Nobel Prize. – Rappler.com