Negros Occidental officials saddened by death of Iggy Arroyo

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines—Negros Occidental officials have expressed sadness over the death of Representative Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo of the province’s 5th district.

“He was a humble guy yet a real performer when it came to public service,” said EB Magalona Mayor David Lacson, president of the Association of Chief Executives and the League of Municipalities in the Philippines in Negros Occidental.

Lacson said he still could not believe that the 61-year-old Arroyo had passed away.

“He was a good man, a real statesman who showed simplicity all throughout his leadership in the 5th District,” the mayor said.

Lacson urged all Negrenses to offer prayers for the family of Arroyo and for the eternal repose of his soul.

Board Member Melvin Ibañez, Kampi chairman in Negros, said that like many officials in Negros Occidental, he was saddened by the death of “a close friend and political mentor.”

Arroyo’s sister, former Kasangga Representative Ma. Lourdes Arroyo, said her brother was declared clinically dead and put on life support at the London Clinic after suffering a heart attack on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila). He was taken off life support later in the afternoon, she said.

In Manila, conflicting reports on Arroyo’s death surfaced Thursday morning.

Finally on Thursday evening, Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, husband of former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, confirmed his younger brother’s passing after being taken off life support.

Ma. Lourdes said she did not know the details regarding the removal of her brother from life support because she was not there.

Arroyo, who was suffering from cirrhosis of the liver, was accompanied by his longtime partner, Grace Ibuna, at the London Clinic, where he was undergoing treatment since last year.

Arroyo is survived by his daughters, Bianca and Dina, from his first marriage; and Alelu from his second marriage to Alicia Morales-Arroyo, from whom he separated in 2006.

Ma. Lourdes said it might take some time before the congressman’s remains could be brought home because the coroner’s office would have to conduct an autopsy, which is required in London.

The plan was for the congressman to be buried at the family mausoleum in Manila, beside their mother, Lourdes Tuason Arroyo, she told the Inquirer.

However, she said, his remains might be brought to Negros Occidental for a brief wake in the fifth district.

“We are all very sad. Iggy was our youngest,” Ma. Lourdes said. Mike Arroyo is the oldest among the siblings.

On the question of who will replace Arroyo, the Commission on Elections in Negros Occidental cited Article 6, Section 9 of the Philippine Constitution which states that in case of vacancy in the Senate or House of Representatives, a special election could be called to fill the vacancy.

Provincial Elections Supervisor Jessie Suarez said Congress would have to request for a special election although the House could appoint a fellow congressman to oversee the needs of Arroyo’s constituents.

Suarez, however, doubted whether an election would be held since the next regular polls would be in May 2013.

Ibañez also said he was told that no special election could be held 18 months before an upcoming regular election.