Philippines mourn former President
- Source: CCTV.com
- [08:33 August 03 2009]
- Comments
Philippine President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, has declared a 10-day period of national mourning for the country's former president, Corazon Aquino.
Filipinos mourned the beloved former leader, as a nation said farewell to an icon of democracy.
Chinese president Hu Jintao expressed his deepest condolences upon hearing of the death of Corazon Aquino.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry says Aquino was an outstanding leader of the Philippines and an old friend of the Chinese people. It said the Chinese government and people deeply regret her death.
Monsoon rains drenched Manila's streets as a convoy took Aquino's casket from the mortuary to the De La Salle school gym.
Aquino died before dawn in a hospital at the age of 76 after battling with colon cancer for a year.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is on an official visit to the US, remembered Aquino as a national treasure.
Filipinos mourned the beloved former leader, as a nation said farewell to an icon of democracy.
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Philippine President, said, "I am announcing today that we will officially observe a ten day period of national mourning. Our hearts go out to the family in this hour of grief and sorrow. The nation prays for Cory and her family."
US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, said she admired Aquino greatly.
Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State, said, "She was a woman of courage who loved her country. She and her family sacrificed so much to try to give the people of the Philippines a better future and I think that she is an inspiration, not only to the Philippines, but to people everywhere who believe in the right values and a positive future."
Aquino became the first female Filipino president in 1987. She rose to prominence after the assassination in 1983 of her husband, opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Junior.
The uprising she led in 1986 brought down the 20-year regime of Ferdinand Marcos. It served as an inspiration to non-violent resistance across the globe.
Aquino's body will be moved later on Monday to the Manila Cathedral where it will remain until her funeral on Wednesday. She will be buried beside her husband at the Manila Memorial Park.
