PCID expresses grief over Jesse’s passing

The Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID) joins the nation in grieving the loss of Secretary Jesse Robredo, an outstanding political leader, steadfast in his conviction that leaders are accountable to their constituents; an exemplary public servant, firm in his commitment to transparency in governance; and a friend and brother to the Muslims, a pillar of support for reform in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

He was seen as the icon of genuine reform as exemplified by his several campaigns for good governance, such as the Full Disclosure Policy that requires absolute transparency in the reporting of expenditures by local government units—a move that earned him deeper admiration from his peers. Secretary Robredo will be remembered for his hands-on approach to dealing with peace and conflict issues in the ARMM by being very visible and vocal about the challenges in the region. He welcomed regular dialogues with local leaders in the most conflict-stricken provinces, even convening Basilan’s provincial peace and order council following a series of violent incidents on the island.

Muslims in Mindanao and in the rest of the country have indeed lost one of the most important advocates of their cause, who had high hopes that the region would realize its full potential through long-term and genuine reform programs, such as the Seal of Good Housekeeping Award, which Secretary Robredo personally initiated. Thirteen of 116 ARMM municipalities have succeeded in winning this award, through Secretary Robredo’s encouragement and support. His death removes a crucial pillar of the reform movement in the ARMM, which is led by Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman. It is our hope that President Aquino will honor the late secretary by appointing a servant-leader who can adequately fill the shoes left by Secretary Jesse at the Department of Interior and Local Government.

—AMINA RASUL, president,

Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy,

NCPAG Annex Building, R. P. De Guzman Street,

University of the Philippines (UP-Campus), Diliman, Quezon City, [email protected]