Robredo prioritizes family above all else, says colleague

Harvey Keh.

MANILA, Philippines – Even with his outstanding work as a public official,  Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo prioritizes his family above all else, said the lead convenor of Kaya Natin Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership in an interview over Radyo 990AM.

Robredo founded Kaya Natin in 2002.

Harvey Keh,  the group’s lead convenor, said he looked up to Robredo not only for his work in the government but also for making sure that he always had time for his family.

“Back when he was still the mayor of Naga City, there were many Kaya Natin events na hindi napuntahan ni Secretary Robredo dahil kailangan niyang samahan ang kanyang anak sa tournament, tulungan ang kanyang anak sa homework,” Keh told Radyo Inquirer  990AM.

“Napakabuting ama ni Secretary Robredo. He makes sure his children are okay. Ang sabi niya, talagang priority niya ang kaniyang pamilya over anything else,” said Keh.

Robredo is married to lawyer Leni Gerona Robredo. They have three daughters.

Keh said he remained close to the Robredo family, especially to the DILG chief’s eldest daughter Aika, who was his student in Ateneo. He said he constantly checked on the family, who remained hopeful that Robredo would be rescued soon.

Robredo was on his way to his hometown Naga City Saturday afternoon when the Piper Seneca plane he was in crashed in the waters off Masbate. So far, only his aide June Paul Abrazado has been rescued—the DILG chief and the two pilots remained missing.

Keh asked the public to continue praying for the successful rescue of Robredo and the two pilots.

A mass he said  was scheduled a 7 p.m. mass at the San Jose Seminary Chapel in Ateneo.

For more reports, listen to Radyo Inquirer 990AM.