The repatriation of the remains of late Negros Occidental congressman Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo has been delayed anew.
Arroyo’s body was earlier reported to be due in Manila Friday night, but Leonard de Vera, lawyer of Arroyo’s long-time companion, businesswoman Grace Ibuna, said the substantial amount of paperwork required delayed the process.
“There is more paperwork needed because the repatriation involves the consulate, mortuary, airline, court, among others,” De Vera said.
He said no new date has been determined, “but it will just be delayed for a few days.”
De Vera also clarified that the delay had nothing to do with previous disagreements between the camps of Ibuna and Arroyo’s estranged wife, Aleli.
“There is no problem among the parties. The agreement regarding the itinerary of the remains once it arrives in Manila still stands,” De Vera said.
In a separate interview, Aleli’s lawyer, Lorna Kapunan, also said that they were initially informed that Arroyo’s body was supposed to arrive Friday night.
“It was reportedly moved to Saturday night. But we again received information from Consul General Bernadette Fernandez of the Philippine Consulate in London that the second schedule was also cancelled. No new schedule was given,” she said.
“We’re still waiting for an update on when the remains will be brought to Manila,” Kapunan added.
Once repatriated, the body will be taken first to the Arroyos’ ancestral home in La Vista Subdivision in Quezon City. The wake will then be moved to the home of Aleli Arroyo, which is also in the same subdivision.
The late congressman’s colleagues will be able to pay their last respects to Iggy when the body is taken to the House of Representatives before being flown to Bacolod City, then back to Manila for interment at the North Cemetery.
Arroyo died in London last Jan. 26. /INQUIRER