Palace denies request to declare Jesse Robredo’s death anniversary a non-working day

Malacañang has denied the request of Naga City, Camarines Sur to declare August 18 as a special non-working holiday in the city in commemoration of the death anniversary of former Mayor Jesse Robredo.

In a letter dated August 17, Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Anna Liza Logan informed Mayor Nelson Legacion of the Malacañang’s decision, citing Republic Act No. 10669 or the “Jesse Robredo Day” which set August 18 as a special working holiday.

“Given that there is already a legislative enactment, this Office is constrained to deny your request,” Logan said.

“Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Office recognizes the importance of the commemoration of the death anniversary of Jesse Robredo to the people of Naga City,” she added.

Robredo was the secretary of the interior in the administration of then President Benigno Aquino III, when he died in a plane crash on August 18, 2012.

Before joining Aquino's Cabinet, he served as a long-time mayor of Naga, where he was recognized for his integrity and innovations in governance.

He also received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service in 2000, the first Filipino mayor given the honor. —NB, GMA Integrated News