"Paalam Pogi (Goodbye Pogi)."
This was the message printed on many yellow shirts sold in Naga City on the eve of the state funeral for the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.
"Pogi," a Filipino word that means "handsome," is the nickname of Robredo in Naga City, where he served as mayor for 19 years.
Many of the shirts were sold near the Basilica Minore de Peñafrancia where Robredo's remains were brought on Monday morning, radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag Jr. reported.
President Benigno Aquino III will lead a state funeral for Robredo on Tuesday.
Robredo died in a plane crash off Masbate last Aug. 18. The crash also killed the pilot and co-pilot of the plane. Only Robredo's aide survived.
The late official's remains arrived in Naga City on Sunday after being brought on Friday to Malacañan Palace where Manila-based officials and ordinary citizens paid their last respects to him. - VVP, GMA News
source: gmanetwork.com