Negros Occidental officials prepare wake for Rep. Iggy

Officials in Negros Occidental are preparing for a wake for the late Rep. Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo Jr., who died after a lingering illness in London last week. Negros Occidental Board Member Melvin Ibañez, a close friend and political ally of the late congressman, said Arroyo’s remains may arrive in Manila Friday or Saturday. Ibañez said he has been overseeing preparations for his wake in Binalbagan town, where the Arroyo properties are located. A two to three-day wake will be held at the House of Representatives, Negros-based news site Visayan Daily Star quoted Ibañez as saying. He said Arroyo’s remains will be brought to Negros Occidental for a wake at the Binalbagan Catholic Church for about two days. The remains will then be brought to Manila where the former lawmaker is to be laid to rest at the family mausoleum at the North Cemetery in Manila. Ibañez said 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. Meanwhile, Ibañez said that if no special elections are held in the fifth district to fill the vacancy left by Arroyo, a caretaker to run the district is an acceptable option. “Whoever House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. will appoint from among the congressmen, will be acceptable to us,” he said. — LBG, GMA News