Former President Cory Aquino Passes Away

Corazon “Cory” Aquino, former president of the Philippines, has passed away after a battle with colon cancer. She was 76.

Her son, Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, read the following statement outside the Makati Medical Center:

"Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 a.m., August 1, 2009 (ed.: Manila time), of cardio-respiratory arrest.

“She would have wanted 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 for our country.

“Hinihiling po ng aming pamilya ang kaunting panahon para makasama namin ang aming mahal na ina.

“Later today, we will be announcing further details of her wake para sa lahat ng ating mga minamahal na kababayan na nais magbigay ng respeto sa aming ina. Maraming salamat po.”

Mrs. Aquino, who was popularly known as Cory or Tita Cory, came to power after the peaceful People Power Revolution in 1986. She was the driving force behind the ouster of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. For her role in restoring democracy to Filipinos and her courage, she is one of the most beloved of Philippine presidents.

Our prayers are with Mrs. Aquino’s family.

Tita Cory, may you rest in peace. Thank you for the hope and inspiration you have given to dream and always strive for the Filipino’s freedom.

via Inquirer; images via sxc.hu and the U.S. Embassy in Manila