Annulment of Iggy's first marriage not registered

MANILA, Philippines - The camp of Grace Ibuna yesterday presented in court the civil registrar of Quezon City as witness on the non-registration of the annulment of the marriage of lawmaker Ignacio Arroyo and his former wife before he married Aleli Arroyo.

Leonard de Vera, Ibuna’s lawyer, said this was a non-compliance with the registration requirement under the Family Code since the lawmaker and Aleli were married in Quezon City.

De Vera said this showed the marriage between the two was “null and void.”

Arroyo was previously married to Marilyn Jacinto before Aleli became his wife.

But Aleli’s lawyer Lorna Kapunan said it was possible that the annulment of Arroyo’s first marriage might have been registered elsewhere, especially since the annulment was granted by a court in Pampanga.

Aleli is saying she remains the lawmaker’s legal wife since the annulment case on their marriage is still pending.

As such, she maintains she has claim over the lawmaker’s remains.

Aleli is asking a Quezon City court to issue a temporary restraining order and injunctions against Ibuna to stop her from claiming Rep. Arroyo’s remains.

But Ibuna, who has filed a separate case before a London court on her claim, wants to bring home Arroyo’s remains since it was the wish of the lawmaker before his death.