Remonde to recieve presintial honors
Posted on January 20th, 2010
A posthumous presidential citation was given by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the late Press Secretary Cerge Remonde for the latter’s exemplary public service as government official and noted journalist.
Remonde, who was 51 years old, died of heart attack on Tuesday morning in his house in Makati City. He was found unconscious by aides at home in Bel-Air, Makati City. They immediately brought him to the nearby Makati Medical Center, but efforts to revive the late secretary failed.
President Arroyo said that Remonde, who is one of the longest serving officials in her administration, will be sorely missed. “I have a lot of fond memories of Cerge. He got along very well with my grandson Diggy (Diosdado Miguel, of Dato) because Cerge has not children so he was very fond of my grandson,” she said.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said he is not yet sure at to what citation will be conferred to Remonde, but he said it could be the Order of Lakandula.
Philippine Information Agency (PIA) director general Conrado Limcaoco was appointed by the president as officer-in-charge of the office of the Press Secretary. She likewise stressed that Remonde’s permanent replacement should be acceptable to members of the Malacañang Press Corps.
Remonde’s widow, Danish Citize Marit Stinus-Remonde, told reporters how hardworking he was. She told how he continued to perform his duties as press secretary despite the intense pressures and daily frustrations. “He told me sometimes no matter how explains the truth, his statements get twisted. He often hoped and prayed that some would remove their biases,” Marit said.
Marit, 44, met Remonde in Manila back in 1992. They got married two years later but remained childless.
She also said that Remonde already wrote his last will and testament a few years ago, but she thought she was not ready to open it yet.
