Jesse Robredo's legacy continues to live with VP Leni's leadership style - De Lima

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has maintained that the legacy of the late former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo's continues to live with the leadership style of his wife Vice President Leni Robredo who made a mark in public office for her sterling track record and good governance.

On Jesse Robredo's 7th death anniversary last Aug. 18, De Lima said she believes that Leni Robredo will never fail to uphold good governance and inspire other leaders and public servants to emulate the Robredos' brand of leadership amid these challenging times.

"Mabilis lumipas ang panahon. Pitong taon na pala ang nakaraan mula nang pumanaw ang isang kaibigan at kasamahan sa paglilingkod-bayan na si Secretary Jesse Robredo. Hanggang ngayon, naroon pa rin ang lungkot at paghihinayang natin sa pagkawala ng isang tapat at huwarang lider," she said.

"Gayunman, nananatili po ang kanyang legasiya ng mabuting pamamahala, na siya namang patuloy na isinasabuhay ng kanyang pamilya, sa pangunguna ni Vice President Leni Robredo," she added.

Jesse Robredo served as mayor of Naga City, Bicol for almost two decades which earned him a number of accolades for good governance practices, including the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service in 2000.

Known for his "tsinelas leadership", which highlighted his simplicity and care for the masses, Jesse Robredo as then mayor would normally be seen walking around Naga City wearing an ordinary shirt, jeans, and rubber slippers.

He was the Department of the Interior and Local Government secretary when he died in a plane crash in Masbate province in 2012 at the age of 54.

With his "tsinelas leadership" and firm resolve to uphold good governance, De Lima maintained that the late secretary set the bar high on being a public servant, with humility as one of his notable traits as an outstanding leader.

"Through his programs, such as 'Kaantabay sa Kauswagan,' Sec. Jesse showed his genuine concern and compassion for the marginalized and empowered them to contribute to the progress of Naga. Instead of using gimmickry and launching projects for photo-ops, he displayed servant leadership," she said.

Note that "Kaantabay sa Kauswagan" is a social amelioration program primarily designed to empower squatters and slum dwellers through land acquisition and urban upgrading. It was hailed as one of the Best Practices for Human Settlements by Habitat for Humanity.

The lady Senator from Bicol likewise lauded Jesse Robredo for having faced and solved the same challenges that the country is facing today, including issues on poverty and crime, among others, without resorting to violence and abuse of power.

"Mula sa pagiging siyudad na mabagal ang paglago ng ekonomiya, naging primera klase ang Naga," she said. "Nagawa niya ito nang hindi namumulitika, hindi gumagamit ng dahas, at walang niyuyurakang karapatan ng ating mga kababayan."

Under the present Duterte administration where violence and abuses are rampant, De Lima urges the Filipino public to follow the lead of Jesse Robredo and never tire in fighting for what is just and right.

"Pitong taon na nga po ang nakaraan. Subalit natitiyak natin, lalo na sa panunumbalik ng madilim na yugto sa ating kasaysayan, na muling mananaig at mabubuhay sa puso't diwa ng milyon-milyong Pilipino ang katarungang panlipunan at mabuting pamamahala na ipinaglaban ni Sec. Jesse Robredo," she said.