Former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo last night said he will endorse the candidacy of his sister Marilou Arroyo Lesaca should she decide to run for the fifth congressional seat of Negros Occidental, that has become vacant following the death of their brother Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo Jr.

Grace Ibuna, the congressman’s partner, on the other hand, said she did not want to think about that when asked if she would run for the post.

Ibuna along with the congressman’s daughters Bianca Arroyo and Dina Arroyo Tantoco, and her children arrived with his remains on board a Philippine Airlines flight at the Bacolod Silay Airport at past 6 last night, while Mike and Marilou Arroyo came shortly after on a private plane.

The congressman’s wife Aleli and daughter Alelu will arrive this morning for his wake in Hinigaran town, his friend Ricardo Tan said.

Ibuna said she did not want to think about the congressional elections in the fifth district, as she was in grief together with their entire family.

Asked if she knew how the vacancy in the fifth district would be filled, she said “I don’t care…I just want Iggy back…I wish he were alive again,” Ibuna said.

She said she wants to put up a foundation in the congressman’s name to continue the work they both believed in for the people of the fifth district, especially in providing education and medical services.

Mike Arroyo, when asked if he would endorse somebody to run for his brother’s seat in congress, immediately said “My sister Marilou, if she will run.”

His sister, a former Kasangga partylist representative, said “if the people want me, why not.”

She said she wants to continue the good deeds of her brother in the fifth district of Negros Occidental, but will have to consult with the people, barangay officials and mayors of the district before she decides to run.

Other names that have surfaced as possible congressional candidates in the fifth district are those of Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol, and Board Members Melvin Ibañez and Emilio Yulo III.*CPG

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