‘Arroyo is welcome in Boncodin’s wake’ (4:10 p.m.)

MANILA -- There will no closing of doors scenario if President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will visit the wake of Budget Secretary Emilia Boncodin.

Based on his assessment when he went to Boncodin’s wake Wednesday, Chief Presidential Spokesperson Ricardo Saludo said that the family of Boncodin would welcome the President when she pays her last respect to her former Cabinet secretary.

“When I went there, I saw a wreath from the First Couple. In fact, if I am not mistaken it was the first wreath placed beside the casket of Boncodin…Maybe, this is one indication that they are welcoming the condolences of the President,” Saludo related.

Boncodin was among the Cabinet officials, now referred as Hyatt 10, who quit posts during the height of the "Hello, Garci" scandal in 2005. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)