MALACAÑANG is not about to lift its finger on the issue between Aleli Arroyo and Grace Ibuna on the custody of the remains of the late Negros Oriental Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told Palace reporters in his regular briefing that private international law will govern the situation or conflict between Mrs. Arroyo and Ibuna.

“There is no need for the government to interfere in the intramural between the two ladies,” Lacierda said.

“We have a portion in law called private international law. Private international law will govern the situation between Ms. Aleli Arroyo and Grace Ibuna -- not Lorna Kapunan. Lorna Kapunan was my boss before so... Let me emphasize, there’s a private international law [that] will govern the conflict between Ms. Aleli Arroyo and Ms. Grace Ibuna so there’s no need for the government to interfere in the intramural between the two ladies,” Lacierda said.

Mr. Arroyo, younger brother of former First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, died in London late January due to complications arising from his liver ailment.

The Royal Courts of Justice in London has granted joint custody of the remains of Mr. Arroyo to his current partner, Ibuna, and daughter, Bernardina Arroyo-Tantoco.