Jesse Robredo’s father dies at 91

MANILA, Philippines - The father of the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo died Tuesday night. He was 91.

Camarines Sur third district Rep. Maria Leonor “Leni” Gerona Robredo announced the death of Jose Chan Robredo Sr. on her Facebook page.

“Tonight, Papa breathed his last. He was Jesse’s ultimate inspiration and was a poster boy for one who has defied the greatest odds,” the lawmaker’s post said. “Papa completely lost his sight to retinitis pigmentosa when Jesse was only five and, everyone who knew him would probably agree with me that his passing would be like the end of an era, for the Robredo family, at least.”

 Jesse died in a plane crash in Masbate on Aug. 18, 2013. His father did not know about his death as the Robredo family decided not to inform him for fear that his health would further deteriorate.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our patriarch Jose Robredo Sr. last Tuesday few minutes after 7 p.m. at the NICC Doctors’ Hospital in Barangay Triangulo in Naga City,” the congresswoman said in a statement.

She said her father-in-law’s remains would lie at Funeraria Imperial along Peñafrancia Avenue in Naga City.

“Papa was the most amazing person. He had been blind for practically most of his adult life but that did not stop him from doing things normal people could and even more,” Leni said.

”To my dearest Lolo Jose, this is how I will remember you. I am sure Papa and Lola Celing are very happy to welcome you on the other side. Sleep in heavenly peace. Love your favorite apo (sa iyo lang ako may claim to fame na favorite),”Aika Robredo, eldest daughter of Jesse and Leni said on her Facebook post.