Mike A: Sis may run for Iggy’s seat

Hinigaran, Negros Occidental — Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, husband of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, said Monday he would endorse his sister, Marilou Arroyo Lesaca, should she decide to run for the congressional seat of their late brother, Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo.

Mike Arroyo and Lesaca were at St. Mary Magdalene Church here Monday night a few hours after Iggy’s remains arrived from Manila. With them were Iggy’s wife Alicia Rita “Aleli” Morales-Arroyo and their daughter Alelu, his mistress Grace Ibuna and Bianca Arroyo and Dina Arroyo-Tantoco, the late lawmaker’s daughters with first wife Marilyn Jacinto.

Mike Arroyo, in an interview, said he would support the candidacy of Lesaca for the 5th district seat of Negros Occidental—that includes this town—that Iggy represented in Congress.

Aleli also said she would support a congressional bid by Lesaca, who had said she would have to consult the people of the district before making a decision.

Iggy’s term was to end in 2013. Speaker Feliciano Belmonte said a special election may be called or another representative may be asked to fill the seat until then.

Ibuna said she did not want to think of politics because she was grieving, although she has reportedly been urged by some to run for the seat.

She would only say that if she did not run, she would support the one who would work for the people of the district with as much dedication, sincerity and love as Iggy.

Other names that have surfaced as possible congressional candidates are Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol and Negros Occidental board members Melvin Ibañez and Emilio Yulo III.

Iggy’s remains arrived at the Bacolod Silay Airport past 6 p.m. Monday aboard a Philippine Airlines accompanied by Bianca, Dina and Ibuna and her children. Mike Arroyo and Lesaca arrived shortly after on a private plane.

Around 6,000 people, many carrying torches and in tears, lined a 200-meter stretch of the road leading to the church.

Some carried placards reading “Congressman Iggy Arroyo we love you,” “Your love and support is our inspiration” and “Thank you for all your help,” while a streamer from the Madeleine Academy said “You will forever be in our hearts.”

After Fr. Greg Patiño blessed Iggy’s remains in liturgical rites, local residents formed a single line as they filed past his coffin.

Iggy’s remains will be brought back to the Arroyo family home in La Vista, Quezon City on Thursday. Burial is set for Friday at the Manila North cemetery. /INQUIRER