MANILA – The Aquino administration is preparing a state funeral for the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, who died in a plane crash off the coast of Masbate last weekend, a Palace official said yesterday.
The family agreed to President Benigno Aquino III's proposal to give the late Robredo a state funeral, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda told a regular press briefing in Malacañang.
A state funeral entails that all expenses be paid by the state in addition to the fullest honors, including military honors, rendered to the deceased, he added.
Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Undersecretary Manolo Quezon III said the newly-formed Committee on Funeral Arrangements and Burial has lined up activities for the state funeral.
At present, an honor guard from the Philippine National Police is standing vigil at the (Palacio de) Arzobispado or the Archbishop’s Palace in Naga City where the remains of the Secretary will be until August 24.
Quezon said the PNP will render departure honors in Naga City and escort the remains from the Archbishop’s Palace to the Pili Airport in Camarines Sur. At Villamor Airbase, arrival honors will be rendered by the Armed Forces.
The escort from Villamor Airbase to Malacañang will be handled by the Presidential Security Group and it is the PSG that will render arrival honors which will include a gun salute in Malacañang, he added.
Robredo's remains will lie in state in Malacañang from Aug. 24 to morning of Aug. 26, when his remains will then be brought back to Naga City. Burial has been set on Aug. 28.
There will be a funeral cortege with the participation of the uniformed services, arrival honors at the place of interment a three volley salute — the playing of taps; and the handing of the national flag that covered the coffin to the widow, Quezon added.*PNA
back to top |