 MANILA - Former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino passed away Saturday morning after battling colon cancer for more than a year. She was 76.
"Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 a.m. August 1, 2009 of cardio respiratory arrest. She would have wanted us to thank each and every one of you for all the prayers and your continued love and support. It was her wish for all of us to pray for one another and our country. Hinihiling po ng aming pamilya ang konting panahon para makasama namin ang aming mahal na ina," a statement from the Aquino family read. Details of the former president's wake will be announced later, the family said. Once a reluctant housewife, Aquino was known as an icon of Philippine democracy after the EDSA 'People Power' revolution removed the Marcos dictatorship and restored democracy in the Southeast Asian archipelago in 1986. Aquino served as the nation's president until 1992 when she gave way to her successor, President Fidel Ramos. Even in retirement, she remained in the public eye and continued to speak out on political issues. In March 2008 her family announced that Aquino had colon cancer. Various healing masses had been held in different parts of the country after she was confined at the Makati Medical Center starting June 25. Thousands attended the masses praying that one of of the world's democracy icons would recover. Prayers and get-well messages were also posted on her website, coryaquino.ph. Last Monday, the Aquino family said Mrs. Aquino's condition had turned to "guarded" due to her fluctuating blood pressure. On the same day, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo started her State of the Nation Address by leading a moment of silence for her predecessor. Her son, Senator Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III, confirmed that the former leader's cancer had already spread to her liver. "Her weakened condition does not allow chemotherapy. We have reached the point where you're not sure if the intervention will help or worsen the condition," he told reporters. Last week, her supporters tied yellow ribbons along Times St. and Examiner St. in Quezon City near Mrs. Aquino's residence, and also outside theMakati Medical Center, symbolizing hope and prayers for her recovery and as a show of support for Philippine democracy. by abs-cbnNEWS.com Related Links and Article |