Former President Cory Aquino Fighting ‘Hardest Battle of Her Life’

Former Philippine President Corazon “Cory” Aquino continues to be confined at the Makati Medical Center after she was admitted more than a week ago. Cory has been battling colon cancer since last year and was recently taken to the hospital for weakness and loss of appetite.

Though chemotherapy has been part of Cory’s treatment since her diagnosis, her spokeswoman Deedee Sytangco has said that the icon of democracy has stopped receiving medical intervention for her cancer and is "fighting the hardest battle of her life".

Cory rose to prominence and the Philippine presidency in 1986 after her husband, opposition leader and former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino was murdered on the  tarmac of the then-named Manila International Airport (MIA). The airport was renamed Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in his honor. Cory, who was always dressed in yellow at the time, ignited the original People Power revolution that brought down the Marcos dictatorship.

The special places that Ninoy and his widow Cory hold in the hearts of the Filipino people are very evident in the public response to Cory’s illness. Prayer vigils and other expressions of support have been taking place all over the Philippines. In the city of Makati, for instance, several churches and villages have announced schedules for such prayer ceremonies.

Television personality Kris Aquino, Cory’s youngest daughter, has said that though her mother will remain in the hospital indefinitely, the former president is comfortable and not in pain. The latest report says that Cory is improving and trying hard to eat.

Filipina Soul has nothing but the best wishes for Mrs. Aquino’s recovery. Cory has brought such hope to the Philippines as the lady in yellow. May God be her source of hope in this difficult time.

image: sxc.hu