One of the more intelligent and bold senators of his time, Joker Arroyo died Tuesday October 5, 2015 after having a heart attack. He was 88.
A kin of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Joker is one of the senators who did not enjoy the perks of power as a senator. He became a senator who had his heart into many activities and issues. He also became Makati City’s First District Representative for nine years (1992-2001).
After that, Arroyo became a Senator for 3 years. He became known as the Scrooge of Congress, he is also known because of his frugality for having only three members of his staff – a driver, a secretary and a legislative staff. Yes, he never hired any bodyguards unlike some of our senators.
After the three years’ service in the Senate, Arroyo did not run for another term. According to one of his interviews, he said “You have to know when to stop”.
Like former senator Panfilo Lacson, he did not use his Php 200 Million PDAF or pork barrel during his 12-years in his office. This had save around 2.4 billion taxpayers money.
Joker Arroyo and Manny Villar were arch-nemesis but became close friends when they became senators. Arroyo was credited for having endorsed the impeachment of Former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada together with other senators. He later became the lead prosecutor for the corruption trial vs. Estrada held on December 2000.
