Senate flag at half-mast for Joker

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate will not hold a necrological service for former senator Joker Arroyo out of respect for the wishes of his family, Senate President Franklin Drilon said yesterday. 

“Word has reached me the family does not want any necrological service in the Senate. That’s the message sent to me,” Drilon said.

He said Senate employees or the senator’s friends and colleagues could just offer masses for Arroyo if they want to. He said he also ordered the Philippine flag at the Senate flown at half-staff.

“We can always offer a special mass organized by, if ever, the employees of the senators, but the request of the family is that there will be no necrological service,” he said.

Sen. Vicente Sotto III said Arroyo left a mark of what an “excellent and superb legislator” should be. “He will be remembered as a good public servant who will now be debating with a far greater august body,” he said.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said she is honored to have served the Senate with Arroyo. “May he find well-deserved rest,” she said.

Sen. Pia Cayetano said she would forever treasure her  friendship and memories with Arroyo.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of former senator Joker Arroyo. More than a colleague, he was a mentor to me for nine years, and my seatmate for three years in the 15th Congress,” Cayetano said. 

“I looked up to him for his wisdom as a seasoned lawyer and legislator, who always spoke with eloquence and humor. On the side, he would share his observations and political analysis of events with me, reminding me to always observe people and events closely to get a better understanding of a political issue,” she added. 

Cayetano said Arroyo lived up to his name with his jokes. “He was one of the few who could get away with his catty, on-the-spot remarks directed at his colleagues,” she said.