Bangon Pilipinas presidential candidate Bro. Eddie Villanueva called on all government officials and employes Tuesday to follow the example of former Budget Secretary Emilia Boncodin for living a life of simplicity and quiet dedication to public service.

In a statement issued immediately after learning that Boncodin had passed on, Villanueva said the former government official served the people with utmost diligence and competence.

"She was never involved in any kind of scandal. Yet she lived a simple life not wanting power or riches, a true public servant,” he said.

According to Villanueva, the former Budget secretary exemplified the kind of public service Bangon Pilipinas strives to engender not as an exemption but as a rule in public service.

Boncodin passed away Monday. She was 55.

The Bangon standard bearer recalled that during her time in Malacanang and even up to her death, Boncodin and her family lived a simple life in a simple house.

"That is the kind of civil servants we must have, in contrast to the officials we now have.. She exemplified a life so worthy of emulation by every public servant,” Villanueva said.

He also said that Boncodin was so dedicated to public service and the Filipino people that she repudiated even her former boss President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and called for the resignation of the Chief Executive over the “Hello Garci” scandal in 2005.

Boncodin and nine other Cabinet and high government officials, dubbed the “Hyatt 10,” left the Arroyo administration over the scandal.

“Secretary Boncodin never wavered in her stand for the people and for the nation that she was committed to serve. We hold her in high respect and we extend our condolences to her family and to the nation,” Villanueva said.