On August 18, Sec. Jesse Robredo’s plane crashed off the coast of Masbate. As search and rescue operations continued, we remained hopeful that he and his two pilots would be found and returned safely to their families.
This blog was our way of holding vigil as we awaited his return. News of the crash triggered an outpouring of love and support for Sec. Robredo on social media and this blog was an attempt to bring together a community of Sec. Robredo’s friends, supporters, and admirers.
Stories, photos, testimonials poured in via e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter. We lit virtual candles for Sec. Robredo by sharing how he brought light to our lives and to our country.
Three days later, Sec. Robredo’s body was found 800 meters from the shore at a depth of 180. The entire nation is mourning the loss of a great man.
We, Filipino citizens inspired by Sec. Robredo’s exemplary leadership, pledge to honor him by protecting his legacy.
Sec. Robredo believed that citizen participation is crucial to good governance and genuine democracy. We vow to be the empowered citizens Sec. Robredo has always wanted us to be by demanding transparency, honesty, and excellence from our government and from ourselves. Jesse Robredo is our gold standard. We will keep the fire burning for him by becoming the everyday heroes he challenged us to be. We represent a constituency for change.
Sec. Jesse will always remain in the hearts of Filipinos who are peaceloving & are law abiding good citizens, his advocacy for good government shall be the forefront of all our countrymen, his simplicity & low profile personality will be remembered just as Pres. Ramon Magsaysay won the love of the comon man. Rest in Peace Sec. Jesse & we all know that you are in God’s place where you deserve to be.
Secretary Jesse, you have touched many peoples lives, as the whole nation mourns for your death. Although we have been out of the country for many years now, we were deeply moved with your untimely demise..You make us all proud! God bless your soul, and we will also pray that your wife and children will stay strong and continue your legacy for many years to come!