Leni urges politicians to follow Jesse Robredo’s example

Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo (rightmost) shares a light moment with Sec. Mar Roxas and Pres. Benigno Aquino III. MARK ALVIC ESPLANA/INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON

Camarines Sur Representative Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo on Tuesday challenged her fellow politicians to keep the legacy of her husband alive through good governance despite the temptations that hound them.

“Buhayin sana natin ang alaala ng aking asawa sa pamamagitan ng pagpanig sa katotohanan, katapatan, kabutihan gaano man ito kahirap o kasakit sa pagpapalaganap ng mabuting pamamahala at pagiging huwarang lingkod bayan sa gitna ng salapi at kapangyarihan at sa pagsangguni sa tinig ng mamamayan sa lahat ng panahon,” Leni said in Naga during the commemoration of the third anniversary of Robredo’s death.

(Let us keep the memory of my husband alive by siding with the truth, honesty and goodness no matter how difficult or painful it is by championing good leadership, by being a model public servant amid the temptation of money and power and by consulting the people.)

She urged public servants to shun corruption and follow her late husband’s example.

READ: Jesse Robredo did ‘more for less’

Leni also took the opportunity to thank President Benigno Aquino III and his Cabinet who helped them during their trying times.

“We will never forget your goodness and kindness,” she said.

“Hinding-hindi namin mababaon sa limot ang kabutihan, kagandahang-loob na ipinagkaloob ninyo nang buong puso’t kaluluwa,” Robredo said.

(We will never forget the goodness and kindness you have shown us with all your heart and soul.)

READ: Aquino honors Jesse Robredo

Robredo was known for his “tsinelas leadership,” which was marked by his down-to-earth approach in serving his constituents. He died in a plane crash on August 18, 2012. Nestor Corrales/IDL