Without confirming the death of former Senator Joker Arroyo, his family has requested the Senate not to hold any necrological services for him, Senate President Franklin Drilon said on Thursday.
“The word has reached me that ayaw ng pamilya ng any necrological services in the Senate,” Drilon said.
Asked then if Arroyo’s body will no longer be brought to the Senate, Drilon simply said: “That’s the message sent to me.”
Asked again if the Senate will hold a special mass for the demised, the Senate leader said: “Well, we can always offer a special mass, organized privately by the employees and senators, but the request of the family is that there will be no necrological services.”
Until now, Drilon said, the Senate has not received formal confirmation from Arroyo’s family about his death. But some people close to the former senator earlier confirmed that he died at the United States Monday.
READ: Joker Arroyo passes away at 88
Despite the absence of formal confirmation, the Senate leader said he has already directed the chamber to fly the Philippine flag at half-mast to mourn his death.