Robredo's wake in Palace to start on August 25

The remains of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo will be brought to Kalayaan Hall in Malacañang Palace tomorrow, August 24, Malacañang announced Tuesday.

An advisory from the Committee on Funeral Arrangements and Burial said the wake will be held there for two days before the remains are returned to Naga City.

A quarter century ago, President Corazon C. Aquino renamed the edifice, formerly known as Maharlika Hall, to "Kalayaan Hall" to commemorate the restoration of democracy in the Philippines. As part of the generation inspired to enter public service by the EDSA People Power Revolution, it is only fitting that the late secretary lie in state in Kalayaan Hall, Malacañan Palace.

Kalayaan Hall is the oldest extant section of Malacañan Palace, having been built in the American Era. It is likewise one of the most intact pre-war buildings in the Philippines wherein Governors-General and, later on, Presidents of the Philippines prior to Martial Law held office. Situated amid sprawling grounds, it is most accessible to the public that would wish to pay final respects to the late Secretary. - PIA — ARA