- Title: PHILIPPINES: Remains of former President Corazon Aquino brought to a cathedral
- Date: 3rd August 2009
- Summary: MANILA, PHILIPPINES (AUGUST 3, 2009) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL) (SOUNDBITE) (Filipino) IRENE VALENCERINA, SYMPATHISER, SAYING: "I'm glad I saw her, but it's sad because she will be leaving us." BANNER WITH AQUINO'S IMAGE PEOPLE WAITING IN FRONT OF CATHEDRAL
- Embargoed: 18th August 2009 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Philippines
- Country: Philippines
- Topics: People
- Reuters ID: LVA7156AJDVLTEUCKADFKBKS3ONY
- Story Text: The body of deceased former President Corazon Aquino, who died early on Saturday (August 1) after a long battle against colon cancer, was moved from a school gymnasium to the Manila Cathedral for memorial services late on Monday (August 3).
Local television estimated around 100,000 people waited along Manila's main roads to catch a glimpse of Aquino's coffin.
Announcers said it was the biggest crowd seen on Manila's streets since one million people came out in the 1986 "people power" revolution that ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos and catapulted Aquino to power.
Some sympathisers, like 58-year-old Alicia Canlas, traveled from nearby provinces to say goodbye to their beloved leader.
"We can stand here until night time, until the next morning, just so we will see her," Canlas said.
Office workers skipped lunch to join students and ordinary people, many wearing yellow shirts, who waited for hours to get a glimpse of Aquino's coffin mounted on a flat-bed truck, moving at a snail's pace due to the large crowds.
Some waved placards with messages like "Thank you, Tita Cory." Aquino was affectionately known as Cory or Tita Cory (Aunt Cory).
Police generals carried her flag-draped casket into the Manila Cathedral in a solemn and regal ceremony shared by priests, relatives and friends.
"Since in baptism, Corazon became God's temple. The spirit of God lived in her. With reverence, we bless her mortal body," Bishop Broderick Pabillo said in a service, before he blessed the body.
A devout Catholic, Aquino often turned to her faith to steer her through difficult times.
The Catholic Church has embraced her deep religiosity. During the revolution, she earned the support of then Manila's influential archbishop, Cardinal Sin.
Many people who turned out to see her off is saddened by her death.
"I'm glad I saw her, but it's sad because she will be leaving us," said Irene Valencerina.
Aquino will be buried on Wednesday (August 5) beside her assassinated husband Benigno at a private cemetery in southern Manila. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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