House files resolution expressing condolences on Iggy's death

MANILA, Philippines - Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. filed a resolution yesterday expressing the profound condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo last week.

The resolution, co-authored by House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II and Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, also cited Arroyo’s accomplishments as chair of the House committee on environment and natural resources in the 14th Congress.

“As a staunch advocate of environmental awareness and protection, he was steadfast in pursuing a legislative agenda that was anchored on the management and development of the natural resources to ensure the country’s sustainable development,” the resolution read.

It noted that under Arroyo’s stewardship, the committee was able to pass significant laws, including the Climate Change Act of 2009.

“His illustrious legislative career was marked by a deep concern for and an unwavering dedication to alleviate the plight of the marginalized sectors of society, such as teachers, seafarers, the youth and exploited children, day care workers, rural health workers, and overseas Filipino workers,” the authors said.

The 60-year-old Arroyo died last Jan. 26 in London due to heart attack. The opposition lawmaker had been staying in London since October to seek treatment for cirrhosis of the liver.

The House is expected to give necrological services to him next week. His remains could be repatriated on Friday.

Meanwhile, the ABS-CBN Europe bureau reported that the London Clinic, the hospital where Arroyo died, was set to release a full medical statement outlining the circumstances of the lawmaker’s death.

The report said the statement was to be issued amid speculations on the possible involvement of Arroyo’s partner Grace Ibuna in pulling the plug on his life support system.

The lawmaker’s estranged wife, Alicia, is reportedly mulling legal proceedings against Ibuna.

It said the medical statement would somehow defuse the tensions between Alicia and Grace and answer various queries as to what really happened inside the critical care unit of the hospital.

Ibuna, along with Arroyo’s eldest daughter Bianca, met with Dr. Roger Williams, the liver specialist and attending physician of the late congressman, ABS-CBN said.

Williams was out of London at the time Arroyo was rushed to the hospital.

The bureau also identified the funeral parlor in charge of the mortuary services for Arroyo’s remains.

J.H. Kenyons Limited is located along Marloes Street on High Street Kensington, just a few blocks away from the residential apartment of Arroyo and Ibuna.

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Board Member Melvin Ibañez of the 5th District is willing to run for congressman to replace Arroyo.

Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. on Monday said Ibañez has signified his intention to run for congressman in the 5th District when special elections are held for the vacant position of Arroyo.

Marañon, chairman of the United Negros Alliance (UNA), said the party will choose their candidate for the special polls.

The House of Representatives would most likely call for special elections to elect the successor of Arroyo.

“We will approve a resolution asking the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to conduct a special election in Iggy’s district. The conduct of the election will depend on whether the Comelec has funds for such purpose,” Majority Leader Gonzales said.

But Speaker Belmonte said he sees no need for a special election, and he will act as caretaker of the 5th District until he appoints somebody to attend to its needs.

“I think we have passed the midway mark, before that, it is advisable to have an election, but after that, it may be no longer be feasible to have one because, by the time it is done, the congressman’s term would be nearing its end (in 2013),” he said.

Belmonte pointed out that it would take the Comelec at least three months before the poll body could conduct special elections.

He said he intends to appoint a caretaker for Arroyo’s district, possibly from among House members from Negros Occidental.

Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer (4th District) and Rep. Mercedes Alvarez (6th District) have expressed willingness to be caretaker. – With Danny Dangcalan