Palace approves live coverage of Robredo state funeral

Presidential Undersecretary Manolo Quezon III

MANILA, Philippines – While Malacañang has not yet issued an announcement on whether the state funeral for the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo would be opened to the public, it said it would make sure that there would be a live coverage for the burial rites.

A radio report on a press briefing at Malacañang Wednesday quoted Presidential Undersecretary Manolo Quezon III as saying that the fullest possible coverage would be guaranteed.

The report said Quezon also noted that all forms of national recognition, and the highest possible honors and tributes, were being considered but that “these should be done tactfully and in consultation” with Robredo’s family.

The committee created by Malacañang for the state funeral of Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo announced that his remains would be flown to Manila on Friday.

In a schedule posted on its website the committee said Robredo’s remains would be transported from Naga City to Malacañang Palace at 9 a.m. on Friday.

The report also said that Malacañang has opened a “Book of Condolence” for Robredo for Philippine embassies and consulates around the world to give diplomats and overseas Filipinos the chance to send their messages and sympathies to the families and friends of Robredo.

The report said Malacañang also urged the Filipinos to send their messages for Robredo on their Official Gazette or tweet using the hashtag #SalamatJesse.