Philippines Prays for Ailing Former President Corazon Aquino

By Heda Bayron

Bangkok
03 July 2009


Prayers and masses are being held across the Philippines for the
recovery of cancer-stricken former President Corazon Aquino. The
democracy icon is battling colon cancer.

Mrs. Aquino's son,
Senator Benigno Aquino III said in a statement that the former
Philippine president is stable and conscious, but would remain in the
hospital. She is being treated for a build-up of fluid in her stomach
and had been confined in the intensive care unit until Thursday.

Worried
supporters and friends across the mostly Roman Catholic nation and
Filipinos overseas have started novenas, or nine-day prayers, and held
masses for her recovery. Even figures from the opposite side of the
political fence, such as former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos,
offered prayers for Mrs. Aquino.

Deedee Siytangco, Mrs. Aquino's
spokeswoman, says Mrs. Aquino is aware of the outpouring of concern and
thanks those praying for her.

Mrs. Aquino, 76, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2008 and underwent surgery to remove part of her colon in April.

Cory
Aquino, a widow-turned-democracy icon, ran for president in 1986
against the authoritarian leader Ferdinand Marcos. She became the
country's leading opposition figure overnight, after her husband,
Senator Benigno Aquino Junior, was assassinated upon returning from
exile in 1983.

Mrs. Aquino was installed as president after peaceful street protests called "people power" movement ousted Mr. Marcos in 1986.

Several
coup attempts by disgruntled members of the military severely tested
her government, and she was criticized for comprising her reform agenda
in favor of the country's big landowners, including her own family. In
recent years, she has become a critic of President Gloria Arroyo and
has led demonstrations demanding her resignation for alleged
corruption.