“If they have any love for Iggy, they should make peace and let Iggy get a decent… and a dignified burial.”

This was the appeal yesterday of former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo over ABS-CBN to the women in the life of his brother Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo Jr. (Neg. Occ., 5th District), who died in London on January 26 after a long battle with cirrhosis of the liver.

The congressman’s long time companion, Grace Ibuna, was with him when he died at the London Clinic, but Alicia Morales-Arroyo has said that, as his wife, she has the legal right to his remains.

Alicia Arroyo is reportedly on her way to London to claim the remains of the congressman that is expected to be brought back to the Philippines today.

Negros Occidental Board Member Melvin Ibañez, a close friend and political ally of the late congressman, said Arroyo’s remains are scheduled to arrive in Manila Friday or Saturday where a two to three-day wake will be held at the House of Representatives.

Ibañez said Arroyo’s remains will then be brought to Negros Occidental for a wake of about two days at the Binalbagan Catholic Church before he is laid to rest at the family mausoleum at the North Cemetery in Manila.

Ibañez said Dina Arroyo Tantoco informed him that her father’s remains will be brought to Negros, and he has been overseeing preparations for his wake in Binalbagan.

The Arroyo properties are located in Binalbagan.

The wake will enable the people of the fifth district, whom Arroyo had served, a chance to pay their last respects, the board member said.

Mike Arroyo, said on ABS-CBN that the congressman hid his sickness from them.

When they were small, his brother would wake him up everyday by jumping on his back, Mike Arroyo said.

The other day Mike Arroyo said he felt somebody touching his feet three times to wake him up. Mike said he knows that was Ignacio making his presence felt and making him know that he loves him.

He and his brother never fought, Mike Arroyo said.

Meanwhile, Ibañez said that, if no special elections are held in the fifth district to fill the congressional seat of Arroyo, the appointment of a caretaker or caretakers to run the district is an acceptable option.

“Whoever House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte will appoint from among the congressmen, will be acceptable to us,” he said.*CPG

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