The Philippines is mourning the death of former president CorazonAquino, who succumbed to cancer early Saturday morning. Mrs. Aquino isremembered as the icon of democracy in the Philippines for leading a"people power" movement against dictatorship. But, Mrs. Aquino alsoinspired democracy beyond the Philippines.
The Philippines isplanning ten days of public mourning, masses and overnight vigils tohonor the passing of former President Corazon Aquino.
She diedSaturday at the age of 76 after a year-long battle with colon cancer. Corazon Aquino was known affectionately as "Cory" and was thePhilippines first female president.
Mrs. Aquino's son, SenatorBenigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, told journalists he never asked his motherhow she wanted to be remembered. But, he said he believed CorazonAquino would be thought of as someone who did her best to help othersand never gave in to the temptation of power.
"She really putinto practice defending not only the rights of her friends but eventhose who would oppose you, relinquishing her power as fast as possiblewith adoption of the 1987 constitution. And, then, I can go on andon," he said.
Corazon Aquino is widely respected for leading apeaceful and popular movement in the late 1980s that overthrew dictatorFerdinand Marcos.
The "people power" movement that swept CorazonAquino into the presidency was felt not just in the Philippines butalso across the world.
Southeast Asia in the 1980s was marked by communist governments and military dictators.
TeukuFaizasyah, a spokesman for Indonesia's department of Foreign Affairs,says Mrs. Aquino helped to inspire Indonesia's own movement to become astable democracy.
"We are close neighbor," he said. "We watchedthe development in the Philippines at that time. And, certainly, thereare a lot of resemblance-what happened in late 90s Indonesia and whathappened in the late 80s in Philippines. People learned that by beingtogether we were able to make a change in our political landscape."
Singapore'sForeign Ministry issued a statement saying Mrs. Aquino will long beremembered and respected both in the Philippines and internationallyfor her devotion to her people.
Even after retiring from politics, Mrs. Aquino actively challenged Philippines politicians she saw as corrupt.
Shejoined the Catholic Church and army in helping to oust President JosephEstrada. And, until she became sick last year, Mrs. Aquino supportedstreet protests against his successor, current President Gloria Arroyo.
But, even those Mrs. Aquino opposed had good things to say about her.
Mrs.Arroyo, who was in the United States on an official visit, praised Mrs.Aquino for helping restore democracy and the rule of law.
U.S. President Barack Obama said he was deeply saddened by Mrs. Aquino's death.