2012-02-11 14:20:52 - All parties must appear at next hearing

Judge says case is really about inheritance

Wife and girlfriend have until Wednesday to submit new evidence

Battle between wife and girlfriend of wealthy Filipino politician continues in London over who gets the body.

Mr Justice Peter Smith, sitting in the Chancery Division, ordered that Grace Ibuna must provide concrete evidence that she has the authority to handle "Iggy" Arroyo's body.

She must have authenticated by the executrix in the Philippines paperwork proving she can move the body Judge Smith told Ibuna's counsel, barrister Philippa Daniels.

Ibuna did not appear today at the injunction hearing which effectively became a continuation of the ex-parte hearing last week.

At todays hearing, "Aleli" Arroyo, who is known as "Defendant 2" in the action, also did not appear.

However, Judge Smith ordered that anyone with an interest in the case who provides evidence

must appear at the next hearing, which he scheduled for 10.30am Monday 20th February.

It was going to be Friday 17th but the judge was alerted by his clerk there was a conflict in hearings, so both Philippa Daniels and barrister Tristan Jones for Kenyon's agreed to the deferred Monday date after a short adjournment.

He also stated that at this stage it appears Ibuna has no rights in the matter.

The judge ordered that Ibuna's legal team supply by 10am Monday 13th February (London time) a validated special power of attorney to the court. Philippa Daniels attempted to contest this early deadline, mentioning the 8 hour time difference between Manila and London, but the judge held firm stating that the legal teams will just have to work through the weekend.

He also ordered all legal teams supply any new evidence by 4pm Wednesday 15th February latest, and that skeleton arguments must be in court by 2pm 16th February.

Full story, background and court report: www.balitapinoy.net/Iggys_Body_Stays_On_Ice.html