Ignacio Arroyo’s critics send condolences

Senators who criticized Ignacio Arroyo’s habit of taking the cudgels for brother Jose Miguel expressed condolences upon learning of his passing.

“No matter how he lived, a life lost must be mourned by those whose paths were crossed by the departed,” Senator Panfilo Lacson said in a text message.

Lacson was among the Arroyo brothers’ staunchest critics.

From Senate President Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada: “May his soul rest in peace. It is unfortunate that he could have helped investigators in helping resolve the cases against (sister-in-law) Gloria Arroyo. He could have provided more details about the helicopters.”

Estrada referred to the recently concluded Senate investigation that linked Mike Arroyo to the questionable sale of two secondhand helicopters to the Philippine National Police.

Iggy issued a statement saying he was the one who leased the helicopters from Lionair Inc. after the Senate traced the sale to his brother.

“I’m saddened to hear (what happened),” said Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III. “My family and I will pray for him and his loved ones.”

“We wish to condole with the family,” Senator Francis Pangilinan said in a text message.