Former Philippine President Corazon Aquino Dies

Former Philippine President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino passed away at exactly 3:18 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at the Makati Medical Center in Manila after battling colon cancer for more than a year. She was 76.

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.

But in March 2008, Cory Aquino has been diagnosed with colon cancer and has been going in and out of the hospital since then for chemotherapy. Last May, she underwent surgery to remove parts of her colon and was brought to the Makati Medical Center in June due to loss of appetite.

Last Monday, the Aquino family said Mrs. Aquino's condition had turned to "guarded" due to her fluctuating blood pressure.

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 the Makati Medical Center, symbolizing hope and prayers for her recovery and as a show of support for Philippine democracy.

May Your Soul Rest in Peace, President Cory.