1. Robredo’s Body Found
State Funeral For DILG Chief Readied
By GENALYN D. KABILING
August 21, 2012, 7:20pm
The body of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo was recovered yesterday
after divers found it in the wreckage of the ill-fated Piper Seneca plane 180 feet below sea level
in the waters off Masbate at about 7:45 a.m. yesterday.
This was confirmed by Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas who said Robredo's body was found
by technical drivers in the cabin of the plane, which was lying upside down.
As this developed, Malacañang started preparations for the official honors and state funeral for
Robredo, as retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz, a close friend of Robredo, and
Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo called for a hero‟s burial for the DILG Secretary.
In Memorandum Circular No. 36, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., whom President
Benigno S. Aquino III designated as DILG officer-in-charge, created an inter-agency committee
to organize the funeral arrangements and interment of Robredo, whose tragic death caused “deep
sorrow” for the nation.
The chartered Piper Seneca plane crashed Saturday while en route to Naga City from Cebu.
Cut In 3 Big Chunks
Roxas said Matt Reed, a volunteer British technical diver, was the one who saw Robredo's body
underwater. The diver said the plane as broken into three big chunks.
The divers also found one other body in the cockpit of the ill-fated plane, but they could not
ascertain the identity as of press time.
Search and rescue operations were temporarily halted after German diver Danny Brumbach
suffered decompression sickness. His mouth was frothing as he resurfaced after the search and
rescue operation but is now in stable condition.
Roxas had earlier reported that divers also found the bodies of Capt. Jessup Bahinting and his co-
pilot Kshitiz Chand in the cockpit. But he later clarified the report that only one other body was
found.
The ill-fated Piper Seneca was found about 800 meters from the shoreline.
The body of Robredo reached the surface at about 8:15 a.m. and was immediately loaded on a
rubber boat and then taken directly to the La Funeraria Eternas in Masbate City.
After confirming the body as that of Robredo, Roxas immediately informed President Aquino.

2. Hope Turned To Heartbreak
Hope turned to heartbreak when President Aquino learned about the passing of Robredo.
Already commemorating the death anniversary of his father, the President grieved over the loss
of Robredo, his close friend, and personally brought his remains to his hometown in Naga City.
The grief-stricken leader flew back to Masbate upon learning of the retrieval of Robredo‟s body.
Aquino then personally saw the return of Robredo, whose body was placed in a metal casket, to
his family in Naga City via a Philippine Air Force C-130 plane. Robredo‟s body arrived in Naga
at 12:55 p.m.
Because of this development, the President was unable to attend a mass commemorating the 29th
death anniversary of his father, the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., at the Manila
Memorial Park. It was Aquino who contacted the DILG chief‟s wife, lawyer Lenie Robredo, and
informed her about the retrieval of her husband‟s body, three days after his plane crash off the
coast of Masbate.
Aquino was joined by Roxas, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Defense Secretary Voltaire
Gazmin, and Presidential Communications Development Secretary Ramon Carandang in the sad
flight to Naga.
Pain Of Blessing A Friend
Before leaving Masbate, Robredo‟s friend for 10 years, Father Leo Casas, gave his final
blessings for the DILG Secretary.
“Here we are, a friend blessing a friend,” Father Casas, who was among the few allowed to open
the casket, was quoted as saying as he blessed Robredo‟s body at the La Funeraria Eternas in
Masbate City.
Upon seeing Robredo‟s casket, Cabinet officials present and residents touched and hugged it
with affection.
From Naga airport, Robredo‟s body was taken directly to the Imperial Homes funeral house
accompanied by President Aquino, who met with the DILG Secretary‟s widow, and their
children Aika, 24; Patricia, 18; and Jillian, 12.
Family spokesman Jun Lavadia said Robredo‟s remains will be at the Naga Archbishop's Palace
starting 5 p.m.
Grief And Gratitude
In Malacañang, grief and gratitude enveloped Malacañang following the passing of Robredo,
whose integrity and diligence were well known in the Aquino Cabinet.

3. Ochoa and several other Cabinet members mourned the death of Robredo and praised him as a
“dedicated public servant and a champion of good governance.”
Philippines flags in the Palace were also flown at half staff to honor Robredo, whose remains
were recovered in the waters of Masbate.
Likewise, Philippine National Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome had all flags in all
police camps and stations also at half-mast.
It was Secretary Roxas who broke the news about the death of Robredo.
Dedicated Public Servant
“I join my colleagues in the Cabinet and the whole nation in mourning the passing of Interior
Secretary Jesse Robredo,” Ochoa said in a statement.
“Secretary Robredo was a dedicated public servant and a champion of good governance whose
track record in public service has been an inspiration to all those who believe in government as
an instrument for positive change,” he added.
Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda and Presidential Communications Operations Secretary
Herminio Coloma also expressed grief over the death of Robredo.
“Jesse has passed. The nation has lost one of her finest servant-leaders,” Lacierda said on his
Twitter account, a few minutes after Robredo‟s body was found.
The public was encouraged to use hashtag #salamatjesse for memories and messages of
sympathy via Twitter.
Coloma hailed Robredo for serving the people selflessly and honorably, saying he was “an
exemplary public servant, a pathfinder in implementing innovations in governance.”
Budget Secretary Abad also praised Robredo‟s integrity and diligence that served as example to
many officials in government. Abad said these were the qualities that made Robredo “a most
valuable and highly regarded member of President Aquino‟s cabinet.”
“Under his leadership, the DILG was able to make significant breakthroughs in establishing good
governance practices among local government units and key government institutions. As brief as
Sec. Jesse‟s term was, we fervently believe that the reforms he championed in the DILG will be
sustained faithfully long after his passing,” Abad said.
Vice President Jejomar C. Binay asked Filipinos to pray for the family of Robredo that they may
be given the strength during this difficult time.

4. Iloilo Representative Jerry Treñas, chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and
Public Accountability, remembered Robredo as one of the “most decent” members of President
Aquino‟s Cabinet team.
Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, chairman of the House Committee on Public Information,
agreed with Treñas, saying that the DILG Secretary was “a great loss to our country and our
people.”
Leaders in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) also took turns in conveying
condolence to his family and reckoning his “unmatched role and concern” for their turfs.
ARMM caretaker-Governor Mujiv Hataman and Governors Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu of
Maguindanao, Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong Jr. of Lanao del Sur, Sakur Tan of Sulu, Sadikul
Sahali of Tawi-Tawi, and Jum Akbar of Basilan described as “great loss” the demise of Robredo.
The Canadian and British governments also issued messages of condolence to the Philippine
government, the Filipino people, and to the family of Secretary Robredo.
“The government of Canada would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the family of Secretary
Robredo, the Government of the Philippines and the Filipino people,” Canadian Ambassador to
Manila Christopher Thornley said in a statement. “He will be remembered as a leader who
ushered in a new era of political reform in the Philippines, and inspired government workers to
selfless devotion in public service.”
“The British embassy is saddened by the death of Interior and Local Government Secretary
Jesse Robredo. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government of the Philippines and
the family of Secretary Robredo,” said British Ambassador Stephen Lillie in a statement.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima was in disbelief upon learning yesterday of the confirmation of
the death of Robredo.
De Lima and Robredo, both natives of Camarines Sur in Bicol region, were known close buddies
in the Cabinet of President Aquino. They have been partners in the administration‟s campaign
against criminality.
Education officials, along with other officials in both public and private sectors, also expressed
condolences to the family of Robredo.
In an official statement, Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the Department of Education
joins the nation in mourning the passing of the untiring public servant which he called “an icon
of good governance and faithful stewardship.”
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Secretary Joel J. Villanueva
also expressed “deepest sympathy and condolences” to the family of Robredo.
The province of Bulacan also condoled and mourned religiously with the family of Robredo.

5. Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado requested all government units of the province
as well as his constituents to pray for the eternal reposed of Secretary Robredo who always
supportive and gave help to the Bulakenyos whenever there is a need from his office.
Former Senate President Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. said yesterday Robredo “was an exceptional
public servant, able, and faithful to his oath of office.”
Senators Manuel Villar, Loren Legarda, and Ramon Revilla Jr. extended yesterday their “deepest
condolences” to the family Robredo.
Local officials in North Cotabato also grieved the untimely demise of Robredo, saying his death
is “heroic” and “admirable.”
Cotabato Governor Lala Taliño-Mendoza was grateful of having worked with a public official
like Robredo whose main goal is to reach out to LGUs, even in far-flung areas. (With reports
from JC Bello Ruiz, Charissa M. Luci, Freddie C. Velez, Ali G. Macabalang, Ina Hernando
Malipot, Roy C. Mabasa, Mario B. Casuyuran, Leslie Ann G. Aquino, Malu Cadelina Manar,
Leonard D. Postrado, and Edd K. Usman)
ilipino bilang wika ng karunungan?
By ANGELO GARCIA, JANNICA DIAZ, JAMAICA MAE DIGO, CAMILLE SY, and
JAYSON MANGALUS
August 20, 2012, 10:12am
Isa pa ring malaking debate ang pangmalawakang gamit ng wikang Filipino sa pagtuturo sa mga
paaralan.

6. Ngunit may mga organisasyon tulad ng Sentro ng Wikang Pilipino ng Universidad ng Pilipinas
sa Diliman na nagtutulak upang gawin ang Filipino bilang wika ng karunungan at nagpapahayag
na hindi lamang ang wikang Ingles ang mga wika ng edukado.
Ngayong Buwan ng Wika, ang Students and Campuses ay nagtanong ng ilang eksperto, mga
guro at estudyante kung sangayon ba sila na gawing wika ng karunungan ang wikang Filipino.
SIYEMPRE! “Siyempre! Ngunit dapat gamitin ito ng mga tao sa dominyo ng kapangyarihan.
Magandang modelo ngayon si P-Noy (Pangulong Benigno Aquino III).” – VIRGILIO
ALMARIO, National Artist for Literature
DEPENDS ON THE SUBJECT. “That depends on what subject you teach. I know that Filipino
is a very effective medium of instruction particularly if you talk about language competencies of
our students. Filipino language is the language of all. I suppose if you are not able to teach in a
manner that you can easily translate the technical language into simple Filipino, it will even
complicate the matter. So generally speaking, I will offer Filipino as a more familiar language of
instruction. But my answer to that would depend whether on what subject you are teaching. To
me, I find language issues something that is not so complicated in terms of level of
understanding. To me, language is dynamic.” – RONALD HENSON, professor, University of
the Philippines.
ATING PAGKAKAKILANLAN. “Oo, kasi parte ng pagiging Pilipino natin ang paggamit ng
sarili nating wika. At ito „yung pagkakakilanlan natin e. Subalit sinasabi ng iba na magiging
kalamangan natin „yun para sa globalisasyon. Tignan natin ang ibang bansa na progresibo
kagaya ng South Korea, katutubong wika ang ginagamit nila.” – JOHN MICHAEL MATIBAG,
AB Communication student, Dela Salle University-Lipa
ANTI-GLOBALIZATION. “For me, no, because if we use the L1 or mother tongue language
as the medium of instruction, learners would surely suffer. English is used worldwide, therefore
if we only use Filipino, it would result in difficulty in communicating with other nationalities.” –
CATHERINE ROBERTO, BS Secondary Education-major in English senior, Pamantasan ng
Lungsod ng Valenzuela
BAHAGI NG ATING PAGKATAO. “Bilang isang mamamayang Pilipino, ako po ay malugod
na sumasang- ayon na gawing wika ng karunungan ang wikang Filipino. Unang dahilan, tayo ay
mamamayan ng bansang Pilipinas at nararapat lamang na gamitin natin ang ating wikang
pambansa at maging parte ng ating pagkatao. Dapat rin na ito ang maging wika ng karunungan
dahil tiyak na maiintindihan at magkakaintindihan ang bawat isa. At alam naman natin na ang
bilang ng nakararami sa ating bansa ay mahihirap at nagmimistulang illiterate, kung kaya
masasabi ko na mas maraming Filipino ang makauunawa kung sariling wika ang gamit. Ito na rin
ang panahon para gawing pormal na wikang karunungan ang Filipino. Panahon para ipagmalaki
dahil ito‟y likas na kayamanan.” – CHARISSE CLAUDETTE SALAZAR, junior, Electronics
and Communications Engineering Technology student, Technological University of the
Philippines

7. HINDI PA KAYA. “Sa kasalukuyang kalagayan ng Pilipinas ngayon, hindi pa natin kaya na
gawing wika ng karunungan ang Filipino. Hindi pa ganun ka-influential ang bansa natin para
mag-adjust ang ibang bansa, halimbawa sa trade and commerce. Mas mahihirapan tayo „pag
hindi tayo nasanay sa English, at pati na din iyong mga susunod na henerasyon. Siguro
makakayanan naman nating gumamit ng purong Filipino sa pagtuturo pero sa ngayon, huwag pa
muna. Gumawa muna tayo ng mga paraan para i-prove ang sarili natin sa international
community nang sa gayon, hindi na natin kailangang yakapin ang ibang lenggwahe para
umunlad.” – CRISEL JUAN, BS Pharmacy student, University of Sto. Tomas
WIKANG KINAMULATAN. “Maganda „yun. Kasi mas likas sa mga bata kung ang gagamitin
nila „yung wikang kinamulatan nila. Mas magiging likas „yung kanilang pag iisip, mas
komportable sila. Naaayos nila „yung kanilang mga ideya. Hindi naman kasi tayo nag iisip sa
English.” – JEFFREY BARTILET, Philosophy professor, PUP
ONLY FOR CERTAIN SUBJECTS. “Para sa akin, I require lang ito sa subjects na dapat
talaga Tagalog ang kailangan. Kaya nga may Filipino subject para matutunan natin all about our
national language. Pero in other subjects, mas efficient „yung English since it is a universal
language and mas magiging successful and advantageous siya for the generation today in their
future endeavors.” – LYNDON JUSTIN GUZMAN, BS Chemistry student, UP-Diliman
MALAKING HAKBANG. “Sa tingin ko, isang malaking hakbang „yan kasi kailangan
magkaroon ng katumbas sa Filipino ang bawat salita. Ilan sa ating mga salita ay walang
katumbas sa Filipino. Sang-ayon ako ngunit isang malaking hakbangin ito.” – CLARIZA RUFA,
Communications senior, Miriam College
INFORMAL LANGUAGE. “Dapat ang wikang Filipino gamitin lang sa mga conversational,
informal discussion. Pero kapag sa school, hindi dapat gamitin kasi marami na sa mga Pilipino
ang lumalabas ng bansa at kailangang bihasa sa wikang Ingles. Hindi mo naman puwedeng i-
Tagalog „yung, halimbawa „precipitation‟. Ang hirap naman nun!” – ROSILYN TAYAMORA,
Journalism senior, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
HINDI KAILANGAN ANG INGLES SA PAG-UNLAD. “It could unite us. Example „yung
mga Japanese they are so successful, ang ganda ng economy nila kahit na di sila magaling mag
English. „Di naman kasi kailangan na magaling tayo mag English para lang maging maunlad as a
country.” – KEZIA EUNICE COMBALICER, BSECE student, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng
Maynila
TERMINOLOHIYANG INGLES LAMANG. “Sa tingin ko, hindi dahil sa subjects gaya ng
Math at Science wala namang katumbas sa Filipino ang ibang terms. Lalo na sa field ng IT na
iba‟t ibang programming terms ang tinuturo at lahat, mas maipapaliwanag mo ng mabuti ang
mga terminolohiyang ito gamit ang Ingles.” – JACQUELYN SAMPAGA, BS Information
Technology student, Far Eastern University- East Asia College