Two women in Iggy's life cross paths again

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Two women in the life of Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo crossed paths during the three-night wake for him at the St. Mary Magdalene Church in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental on Tuesday.

Dressed in black, Grace Ibuna, Iggy’s long-time partner, was seated in the front pew near the coffin, when Aleli Arroyo, Iggy’s second wife, entered the church at noon with her daughter Alelu and proceeded straight to the coffin.

An electric fan beside Iggy’s coffin short-circuited and emitted fumes after Aleli’s arrival.

Church staff immediately put out the smoke.

During the necrological service that the local Department of Education (DepEd) had organized, Ibuna was called to address the mourners, but Aleli, who was seated at the family area, was not acknowledged.

“How can they let someone like her (Ibuna) speak in the house of God?” Alelu said.

The nuns accompanying Aleli hurled criticisms at the organizers.

Fr. Greg Patiño, St. Mary Magdalene Church parish priest, said he had nothing to do with it. “Everyone is welcome in his church – both sinners and saints,” he said.

“This church is for the sinners, and if you think you are a saint, you don’t need to come here and cleanse your soul.”

Dr. Lora Mohametano of DepEd told reporters that they were not aware Aleli was at the wake.

They had acknowledged Ibuna because she had facilitated a lot of projects for them from Iggy, she added.

Right after viewing Iggy’s body, Aleli entertained media interviews.

“As far as I’m concerned she is not existing,” Aleli said when asked about Ibuna’s presence at the wake.

Aleli said Catholicism mandates that a man should only have one wife.

“Hindi ko alam kung bakit meron pang pinagsasabing ibang asawa (I do not know why there is another wife),” she said.

“Pero para sa akin iisa lang po ang asawa (But for me there is only one wife). It does not matter, I don’t really care who she is.”

Ibuna refused to comment on Aleli’s tirades.

“I am really grieving,” she said. “My priority is Iggy’s peace at the moment. I would like to keep his dignity intact for he is really a respectable man. I think he deserves better. I love him unconditionally.

“Lulunukin ko lahat para kay Iggy. Sabihin nila lahat ang gusto nilang sabihin. (I will swallow all these for Iggy. They can say whatever they want). I’m doing this for him. I am closing my eyes. I am praying to God because I love him. I will keep my peace for Iggy’s sake.”

However, in an interview prior to Aleli’s visit, Ibuna said she is going to say her piece after the wake.

“I would just like to clarify for my family’s sake,” she said.

“Alam nyo hindi na bata ang mga magulang ko. Umiiyak din sila. Ang mga kapatid ko, lalo na ang mga anak ko. (My parents are no longer young, they are also grieving; same with my siblings, and most of all my children).

“Just to clear things and straighten the record.”

Iggy’s remains were brought to Negros Occidental Monday night.

Ibuna said when interviewed at the Bacolod-Silay Airport Monday night that it was Iggy’s last wish to have his body brought to his district.

“Mahal nya lahat ng mga taga-5th district (He loved everyone in the 5th district),” she said.

Former first gentleman Mike Arroyo, Iggy’s elder brother, said: “We love him very much and I miss him. We have so many memories together.”

Iggy’s remains arrived at the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City at around 6 p.m. Monday via Philippine Airlines. Accompanying the coffin were Iggy’s daughters Bianca and Bernardina, and Ibuna’s children Gabrielle, Jolo, and Rafaela, and other members of the Arroyo family.

Mike and his sister Marilou arrived at the airport via private plane, at about the same time as Iggy’s remains.

About 6,000 people carrying candles and torches lined the 200-meter stretch of road to Hinigaran Church to welcome Iggy’s remains, according to former 5th district board member Enrique Miguel Lacson.

Some of them were teary-eyed, carrying placards that read, “Congressman Iggy, we love you” and “Thank you for all your help.”

Observers said many people in the 5th district “gravitated” towards Ibuna, shaking her hand and kissing her to express their condolences.

Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and other provincial officials attended a regular Mass at 6 a.m. and another at 6 p.m. Sendoff rites will be held today at 3 a.m.

Iggy’s body is to return to the Arroyos’ ancestral home in la Vista, Quezon City and will be buried at the North Cemetery on Friday in Manila, next to the tomb of his mother.