Philippines Prays For Ailing Former President Corazon Aquino

Devotees, supporters of former Philippine President Corazon 'Cory' Aquino attend a 'healing mass' for the third day in Manila, 3 Jul 2009 Prayers and masses are being held across the Philippines for therecovery of cancer-stricken former President Corazon Aquino. Thedemocracy icon is battling colon cancer.

Mrs. Aquino's son,Senator Benigno Aquino III said in a statement that the formerPhilippine president is stable and conscious, but would remain in thehospital. She is being treated for a build-up of fluid in her stomachand had been confined in the intensive care unit until Thursday.

Worriedsupporters and friends across the mostly Roman Catholic nation andFilipinos overseas have started novenas, or nine-day prayers, and heldmasses for her recovery. Even figures from the opposite side of thepolitical fence, such as former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos,offered prayers for Mrs. Aquino.

Deedee Siytangco, Mrs. Aquino'sspokeswoman, says Mrs. Aquino is aware of the outpouring of concern andthanks those praying for her.

Mrs. Aquino, 76, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2008 and underwent surgery to remove part of her colon in April.

CoryAquino, a widow-turned-democracy icon, ran for president in 1986against the authoritarian leader Ferdinand Marcos. She became thecountry's leading opposition figure overnight, after her husband,Senator Benigno Aquino Junior, was assassinated upon returning fromexile in 1983.

Mrs. Aquino was installed as president after peaceful street protests called "people power" movement ousted Mr. Marcos in 1986.

Severalcoup attempts by disgruntled members of the military severely testedher government, and she was criticized for comprising her reform agendain favor of the country's big landowners, including her own family. Inrecent years, she has become a critic of President Gloria Arroyo andhas led demonstrations demanding her resignation for allegedcorruption.