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Love made Robredo a great man, says daughter
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Many have paid tribute to the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, who is remembered as a great public servant, friend, son, brother, husband, and father. But perhaps no one has asked what it is that made him so good, Robredo's second daughter, Patricia, said in her eulogy to her father.
"Marami na tayong narinig tungkol kay Papa, lalo na ngayong mga nakaraang linggo. Magaling siya na mayor, magaling siya na Secretary, mabuti siyang kaibigan o ka-brod, mabuti siyang anak, mabuti siyang kapatid, mabuti siyang ama," Patricia said in Bicolano during the necrological service in Naga City on August 26. 
The Robredo women, from L-R: Jillian, Aika, and mother Leni listening to Patricia give her eulogy
Robredo died in a plane crash last August 18. His Cabinet colleagues paid tribute to him with speeches and songs, while citizens of Naga City flocked to their City Hall to pay their last respects to their former mayor.
In both Manila and Naga City, mourners bought memorabilia, ranging from T-shirts with Robredo's image to yellow umbrellas.
A group of bikers organized "Ride for Robredo" on Friday, to honor the man who was extolled for his "tsinelas leadership." Despite his high position, Robredo remained a humble man.
"Tsinelas leadership is about no frills, no kaartehan but with a clear vision," Energy Secretary Rene Almendras said in his eulogy on Saturday.
'He knew how to love'
"Pero natanong ba ninyo kung bakit siya magaling? Bakit siya mabuti? Kung ako ang tatanungin ninyo, ito ang sagot ko: naging mabuti at magaling si Papa dahil marunong siya magmahal. Mapagmahal sa trabaho, mapagmahal sa tao," said Patricia.
She delivered her eulogy with calm and grace, sharing how she had asked her father to tickle her in case she came close to tears.
"Kanina po, bago ako pumunta rito, tinext ko si Papa. Sabi ko sa kaniya, 'Pa, kung feeling mo iiyak na ako, please, kilitiin mo ako, kasi ayaw kong maiyak sa inyo.' Si Ate rin po kanina, kinausap din si Papa, sabi niya, 'Pa, tapakan mo si Tricia 'pag umiiyak na, kasi hindi kami puwedeng magpakita ng kahinaan ng loob dahil sa nangyari,’" she said.
At one part of the speech, Patricia shared her younger sister Jillian's dream of becoming a showbiz personality.
"Si Jillian po, kung alam ninyo, ang pinaka-bunso kong kapatid, gustong-gusto niyan mag-artista. Ilang oras matapos namin malaman na wala na si Papa, ano ang tinanong niya kay Mama? 'Ma, ilang taon na si Kris nang mamatay si Ninoy?' Kasi raw puwede siyang maging Kris Aquino 'pag laki niya," Patricia said, making the audience laugh, her sister Jillian included.
After the necrological service, Robredo's remains were brought to the Basilica Minore de Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia in Naga City, for the last day of the wake. Robredo was a devotee of Our Lady of Peñafrancia since he was 16 years old.
Public viewing of Robredo's remains will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
On Tuesday, a funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. before the state funeral at 11 a.m. –KG, GMA News
