Ochoa joins nation in mourning death of Robredo

MANILA, Philippines—Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. on Tuesday joined the nation in mourning the death of Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, who he said was a “champion of good governance.”

In a report by Radyo Inquirer 990 am, Ochoa was quoted as saying that Robredo’s track record in public service served as an inspiration for Filipinos who believed that the government was a vital instrument in bringing effective change.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas on Tuesday broke the news that technical divers recovered Robredo’s body 800 meters from the shore at a depth of 180 feet at past 8 a.m.

Robredo is survived by his wife, lawyer Leni Mercado, and his three daughters—Aika, 23; Patricia, 18; and Jillian, 13.