Negros Occidental Rep. Iggy Arroyo Passes Away

After conflicting reports about his death, family confirms the death of Iggy Arroyo

Brother-in-law to ex-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo dies in London while seeking treatment

Younger brother to former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, Iggy Arroyo passed away after being taken off life support. The Negros Occidental Representative was in London seeking treatment for his already failing liver.

Reports about the condition of the 60-year-old Representative were confusing at first. It was first believed that Iggy Arroyo is dead before being declared “clinically dead”. Later, the ex-President’s husband and Iggy’s brother confirmed that Iggy Arroyo passed away.

"Support systems were pulled out already thirty minutes ago. My brother passed away already. I'm so sad," he said during an interview with a large Philippine network.

In earlier phone interviews, it was revealed that Iggy Arroyo died of a cardiac arrest. Although resuscitation was immediately done, the lawmaker fell into a coma, hence the “vegetative state” and “clinically dead comments”. The information was revealed by Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, pinning the death at 7AM Manila time.

Mike Arroyo was said to be bereaved over the death of his brother. As of now, the Arroyo family is asking for prayers for the death of their family member.

The lawmaker’s colleagues are also saddened by the news. According to House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, the “House will ensure that the needs of Representative Arroyo’s constituency will be addressed despite his passing,”.

"We offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the family of Representative Arroyo in this time of grief," Belmonte concluded.

The body of Representative Iggy Arroyo is being prepared for transportation to Manila. Lawyer Romulo Macalintal revealed that there will also be neurological services done at Negros Occidental as well as the House of Representatives. However, burial will likely be at Manila.

Iggy Arroyo authored several acts including the Seafarers Act of 2008 and increasing the salary of public school teachers. He was also linked to various scandals such as the “Jose Pidal” case and more recently, the purchase of the second-hand helicopters by the Philippine National Police.

Photo courtesy of congressionalobserver.wordpress.com