GMA can attend Iggy’s wake
MANILA, Philippines – The Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) allowed detained former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to attend the wake of her brother-in-law Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo in Quezon City.
But because the arrival of the remains from London, originally scheduled this weekend, was postponed, the RTC will tackle on Monday a motion filed by Arroyo’s lawyers, seeking permission for her to attend the wake at a later date.
Felda Domingo, RTC branch 112 spokesperson, said that Judge Jesus Mupas would hear both the arguments of the defense and prosecution lawyers on the motion.
Domingo said the court had originally approved an eight-hour visit today.
The wake is reportedly scheduled on March 1 to 3 at the Arroyo family’s ancestral home in La Vista subdivision, Quezon City. Commission on Elections (Comelec) prosecutors led by lawyer Esmeralda Ladra opposed a three-day furlough for the former president.
“We will argue for a three-hour visit because of security reasons,” Ladra said.
She said they would also ask the court to approve Arroyo’s furlough to attend the wake at the House of Representatives near Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City where Iggy’s remains would also be brought.
The Comelec lawyer said that the House of Representatives is more secure than the Arroyo ancestral home.
The prosecutors also want the Arroyo camp to shoulder all the expenses during her furlough, including the food of police security details.
Domingo said Judge Mupas is expected to give a ruling during Monday’s hearing.
Iggy’s remains to arrive Tuesday
Iggy’s brother former first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo said the remains of the congressman could arrive on Tuesday.
He said the delay was caused by difficulties in raising funds for his funeral and legal expenses and other administrative delays in London.
The 60-year-old lawmaker’s body has been in a mortuary for nearly a month since he died of heart attack in a London hospital last Jan. 26 while undergoing treatment as an outpatient for liver cirrhosis.
The flag at the House of Representatives continues to be at half-mast until necrological services for him are conducted, officials said.
Arroyo said they expected his brother’s body to arrive in Manila today after
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