Treñas mourns Cory’s death
City Mayor Jerry Treñas joins the entire Filipino in mourning the death of former President Corazon Aquino. “Ninoy and Cory gave the Filipino models of courageous leadership based upon self-sacrifice and commitment to democracy,” Treñas said.
The former president became politically active after her husband Benigno (Ninoy) was assassinated on the tarmac of the Manila airport, now Ninoy Aquino International Airport, in 1983. Ninoy was gunned down while returning from exile to challenge the country’s longtime leader deposed President Ferdinand Marcos. Marcos stayed in power for almost 20 years.
Mrs. Aquino was considered as a “democratic icon” after she toppled the late dictator. Her presidency was punctuated by seven coup attempts most staged by the same clique of officers who had risen up against Marcos.
Treñas sent a letter of condolence to Mrs. Aquino’s son Senator Noynoy Aquino.
“We will all be eternally indebted to President Cory for the restoration of democracy in our country and the exercise of our freedom that we now all enjoy,” said Treñas.
Treñas first assumed as OIC councilor during the term of President Aquino when most of the government appointments are only considered as officer-in-charge before he became the mayor of the city.
Mrs. Aquino, 76, died at the Makati Medical Center on Saturday following a battle with colon cancer. She was diagnosed with the disease last year and underwent operation and chemotherapy sessions. Her cancer was already in the fourth stage when discovered. She was given three months to live but was stayed until she had a cardio respiratory attack. Novena masses were offered to the former president when her health condition was made public.
The mayor did not say on whether the city is preparing something to honor the late President. In some parts of the country, yellow ribbons were tied in buildings to show support and concern to the former president. Her body now lies in state at the Manila Cathedral until her funeral on tomorrow where she will be buried beside her late husband at the Manila Memorial Park.