No Senate tribute for Joker Arroyo

THE FAMILY of former Sen. Joker Arroyo has requested that the Senate dispense with its traditional tribute to its deceased members, Senate President Franklin Drilon told reporters Thursday.

Arroyo reportedly died at the age of 88 in the United States on Monday of cardiac arrest after undergoing a heart surgery. The family has maintained silence over the reported death of one of the key figures in the dismantling of the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship and the restoration of democracy in the country.

“Word has reached me that the family does not want any necrological services in the Senate,” Drilon said.

He also said he had received no formal confirmation of Arroyo’s death, but he has nevertheless directed the Senate to fly its flags at half-staff.

Drilon said the Senate could always offer a special Mass organized by Arroyo’s employees, but he repeated the family’s preference. Leila B. Salaverria