A March 5, 2013, press release from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines: The Philippines’ high economic growth under the Aquino administration got an added boost after the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) of the United Nations officially lifted the significant safety concerns it had earlier cited as requiring urgent solutions from the government. The ICAO cited the Philippines’ “active commitment” and “positive response” in international efforts to upgrade standards in aviation safety.

A November 13, 2012 press release from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines: The CAAP today issued an order placing Fernando Abalos, the CAAP inspector who cleared the test flight results for the Piper Seneca plane boarded by Secretary Robredo on August 18, 2012, under preventive suspension for 90 days pending investigation of the incident.

On November 13, 2012, in Malacañan Palace, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines presented the following report on the investigation of Jesse Robredo’s plane crash off the coast of Masbate in August of 2012:

A November 13, 2012 press release from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines: Amid media reports highlighting the supposed “failing marks” garnered by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) from the recent validation mission conducted here by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), CAAP Deputy Director General John Cu Unjieng Andrews said that, on the contrary, CAAP received glowing reviews from the ICAO validation team headed by Henry Gourdji.

Let’s not make a circus out of this tragic event that ignited the hearts and mind of Filipinos of what a true and honest public servant is all about. Sec. Robredo is a symbol of a man of integrity, nationalist, and a patriot.