Signed by former and present government officials and staff, representatives from the private sector, academe, civil society organizations and NGOs, friends and supporters, and local government units. (Click to view full version with list of names)
This statement appeared on page A27 of the Philippine Daily Inquirer on August 24, 2012.
Secretary Jesse M. Robredo valued public office as a covenant with the people and a privilege from God. He showed us how to listen so that policies and programs can reflect the needs and priorities of citizens. He demanded that every citizen should have access to decisions made by government and should be served well.
He called on every citizen to be part of the process of building better government. He advocated measurement of performance so that every public official and employee can be accountable for their powers and responsibilities. His life is proof that a true public servant leads and serves by example. He was the change that we wanted to see in our country.
We call on His Excellency, President Benigno Aquino to lead the movement of honouring Secretary Jesse M. Robredo by continuing his legacy especially in the Department of Interior and Local Government.
He inspired local government officials to rise to a new level of public service by becoming transparent, participatory, accountable and honest. His institution of the Seal of Good Housekeeping gives the public an instrument to measure the true worth of their local government. The shoes of Secretary Robredo are almost impossible to fill. But we believe that Secretary Robredo has inspired young, dedicated, bright, honest, and competent Filipinos, especially among local government officials, to carry out the noble and heroic work he has started. We pray for the President as he searches for Secretary Robredo’s right successor. We vow to be the empowered citizens Secretary Robredo has always wanted us to be by demanding transparency, honesty, and excellence from our government and from ourselves.
Pinakamamahal naming Kalihim, thank you for showing us that we can be proud to be Filipinos, and that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Thank you for challenging us to help in paving the way for a new and better way of governance. Thank you for reminding us that we will be remembered not because of the power and wealth we amassed but how well we related to every citizen especially the poor. We pledge to carry out your ideals and examples, especially in providing our fellow citizens with opportunities to realize their fullest potential.
