First wake in Kalayaan Hall

The Kalayaan Hall in Malacañan Palace is being readied Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012, for the wake of the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, who died in a plane crash last Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012. The remains of Robredo will lie in state in Malacañang on Friday until Sunday morning. PHOTO BY JAY MORALES/ MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU

This is the first time a wake will be held in Kalayaan Hall, the oldest extant section of Malacañang built during the American era.

Kalayaan Hall is one of the most intact prewar buildings wherein governors general and Presidents before martial law held office.

Lying in the middle of sprawling grounds in Malacañang, Kalayaan Hall is the most accessible to the public.

From Maharlika to Kalayaan

It was then President Corazon C. Aquino who renamed the edifice from Maharlika Hall to Kalayaan Hall to commemorate the restoration of democracy in the country.

“As part of the generation inspired to enter public service by the Edsa People Power Revolution, it is only fitting that the late Secretary (Jesse Robredo) lie in state in Kalayaan Hall, Malacañang Palace,” the committee on funeral arrangements and burial for the late secretary said.

Communications Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III elucidated on the reasons behind the choice of the hall as the venue for the wake.

“If you remember, Edsa People Power Revolution ended here. This is where the final inaugural of President Marcos was held, and which was liberated by the people 25 years ago. And the late Secretary Jesse Robredo, inspired by the Edsa Revolution, was among those who entered politics and government,” Quezon said.

“Besides, this was one of the oldest sections of the Palace, has refreshing surroundings, is easily accessible to the public, and can accommodate many. In the view of many, it has the dignity and is the appropriate venue for this wake,” he added.—TJ Burgonio