The Royal Courts of Justice in London has granted joint custody of the remains of Rep. Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo to his partner, Grace Ibuna, and his daughter, Bernardina Arroyo-Tantoco, GMA News learned Tuesday.

The report aired on GMA News' "Unang Balita" said Ibuna personally appeared in the hearing.

Last week, Justice Peter Smith of the Chancery Division of the United Kingdom High Court of Justice set a hearing on February 20 at 10:30 a.m. (UK time) to enable Ibuna to "provide concrete evidence that she has the authority to handle Iggy Arroyo's body."

Ibuna is claiming rights over Arroyo's body, and perhaps properties, with a will the late congressman drew up and signed in San Francisco, California.

The decision was immediately disputed by Arroyo's legal wife, Aleli Arroyo, through her lawyer, Lorna Kapunan, who told GMA News on Tuesday morning that Philippine law must prevail. Iggy Arroyo had sought an annulment from Aleli, who reportedly refused.