Robredo wake begins in Naga City at Archbishop's Palace

Residents of Naga City lined up outside the Archbishop's Palace to pay their respects to their late former mayor and Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, after his remains were brought there late Tuesday.

 

The residents recalled the small but important reforms Robredo put in place when he was mayor, according to a report by radio dzBB's Manny Vargas.

 

Security was tight at the Archbishop's Palace, with media covering the event kept at a distance.

 

Robredo's casket was closed, but near it was a collage of smaller photos that formed an image of a smiling Robredo, the report said.

Masses were scheduled at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., the report added.

 

The report said the residents recalled Robredo's simple lifestyle and his being accessible. Many referred to him as "Pogi," a Filipino word meaning "handsome."

 

Among Robredo's "legacies" were residents learning not to litter, and nightclubs operating without the music blaring through the neighborhoods.

 

Robredo's remains were recovered Tuesday from a Piper aircraft that crashed off Masbate while en route to Naga from Cebu last Saturday.

The plane's pilot and co-pilot also died in the crash. Only Robredo's aide survived the incident.

 

On Tuesday night, Robredo's remains were brought to the Archbishop's Palace, with his fraternity "brods" among those accompanying the remains.