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Former President Corazon Aquino has been diagnosed
with colon cancer, her
children said Monday, asking the country to pray for the
74-year-old’s
speedy recovery. “The results
show our mother is suffering from cancer of the colon,” Kris
Aquino, the former president’s daughter, said during a press
conference in Quezon City with her brother, Sen. Benigno Aquino 3rd,
by her side.
After experiencing high blood
pressure, breathing difficulty and notable weight loss, Mrs. Aquino
recently decided to undergo medical checkup, Kris Aquino said. She
added that besides prayers, the family is also asking for the public
and the media to respect her mother’s privacy.
Kris Aquino said it was her
mother’s decision for the family to release a statement regarding
her health.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye
said, “We are saddened by this news. We are hoping for strength
for her in the face of adversity.”
The Palace is hoping for Mrs.
Aquino’s speedy recovery, he said, adding that at the time,
President Gloria Arroyo has yet to be informed about this
development.
Cory Aquino—as she is fondly
called—is a vocal critic of President Arroyo and is one of two
former presidents who have called for her resignation over alleged
corruption in her administration.
Officials of the Catholic Church
said Monday they will offer prayers for the immediate recovery and
good health of Aquino.
“Cardinal [Gaudencio] Rosales
assures former President Aquino of his prayers for her recovery and
restoration to good health,” the Manila archbishop said in a
statement that was read by Peachy Yamsuan, the Manila Archdiocese
communications director.
“He will also ask his priests
to pray for her and her intentions,” Yamsuan added.
Outpouring of wishes
Sen. Francis Pangilinan also
asked for prayers and “strength and courage” for Mrs. Aquino and
her family as they face this “difficult trial.”
Makati Mayor and United
Opposition (UNO) President Jejomar Binay said, “Former President
Aquino has always stood by our side in our trying moments as a
nation and as a people. Now, it is time for us to stand by her side
as she faces another trial in her life.”
Parañaque City Rep. Roilo Golez
said medical science, with the help of God has advanced enough to
make possible a good survival rate. “The nation needs [Aquino’s]
moral leadership in the face of a deep moral and political
crisis.”
Aquino was swept into power by a
popular 1986 revolt that toppled then President Ferdinand Marcos
after his 20-year rule. Her tumultuous presidency was marked by
several bloody coup attempts. After her six-year term, she was
succeeded by Fidel Ramos in 1992.
Her husband, the late Senator
Benigno Aquino Jr., was gunned down at the former Manila
International Airport in 1983 after returning from exile in the
United States.
His death eventually led to the
unravelling of Marcos. Two of Marcos’ trusted aides eventually
turned against him, leading to the 1986 revolt. Marcos fled to
Hawaii, where he died in exile in 1989.
A devout churchgoer, Cory Aquino
has remained a political force in largely Roman Catholic Philippines
and her stand on critical issues often helps form public opinion.
In 2001, she openly campaigned
against Joseph Estrada to be removed from the presidency over
corruption. Estrada left the presidential palace in disgrace, and
was condemned to life imprisonment, but subsequently pardoned.
 --Angelo
S. Samonte, Anthony A. Vargas, Sammy Martin And AFP
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