MANILA, Philippines - The family of the late Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo can rightfully claim ownership of the controversial "Jose Pidal" bank account, as well as another P2 billion sitting in other alleged accounts that Senator Panfilo Lacson claims belonged to the lawmaker.

Arroyo's family still does not want to discuss the issue during their time of mourning, but according to University of the Philippines law professor Harry Roque, the legal family is within its rights to claim the Jose Pidal account.

The late congressman claimed ownership of the controversial account while Lacson was pushing for an investigation into his brother, then First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo, over the alleged diversion of P300 million in campaign funds to the account.

The story has gotten more complicated, after Lacson told ABS-CBN News that aside from the Jose Pidal account, he discovered 2 more bank accounts allegedly belonging to the Arroyo brothers with deposits totalling P2 billion.

"May karapatan ang ligal na pamilya dahil kung sa publiko at sinabi ni Iggy na ito ay sa kaniya, anumang nilalaman nito ay puwedeng mapunta sa kanyang naiwang pamilya, half sa asawa at half sa mga anak," Roque said.

Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares believes the family can exercise its right if it is proven that Arroyo does own the account.

"Puwede silang mag-claim," he said.

It isn't only talk of bank deposits that has been revived with the death of Iggy Arroyo.

Lacson and Roque believe that the case against Mike Arroyo in the allegedly anomalous police helicopters deal has been strengthened.

The late congressman admitted to being the president of LTA Incorporated, when it leased helicopters to Lionair in 2004.

The issue is the subject of the Senate's investigation.

"Wala nang mag-aalibi para kay Mike," Roque said.

"Wala nang sasalo kay Mike sa korte, maging sa chopper deal o sa Jose Pidal account," said Lacson.

However, a lawyer of Mike Arroyo said the statements of the late congressman are sufficient for a court to conclude that his client had no involvement in the questioned Philippine National Police deal. - ANC