Noynoy Aquino

Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III of the Liberal Party announced his decision to join the presidential race in a press conference at the Club Filipino in San Juan, Metro Manila.

What follows is a liveblog of the morning event that was televised.

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7:35 a.m. Supporters gather at the Club Filipino in San Juan, Metro Manila.

7:39 a.m. It’s a sea of yellow at the Club Filipino with supporters wearing yellow. Among those attending the press conference are Liberal Party members and Senators Franklin Drilon, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.

7:42 a.m. Members of the Black and White movement  and the Hyatt 10, or former Cabinet officials who bolted out of the administration, join the press conference to also throw their support to Noynoy Aquino.

7:46 a.m. People are asked to take their seats as the press conference is about to start.

7:50 a.m. The Aquino family arrives. Kris Aquino and husband James with their son baby James join the press conference. They are all wearing black with yellow ribbons.

7:52 a.m. Prayer is led.

7:54 a.m. Noynoy Aquino arrives and greets fellow members of the Liberal Party. People chant “Noynoy, Noynoy.”

7:56 a.m. Noynoy Aquino is introduced and is set to address supporters. Chants continue. “Mabuhay si Noynoy Aquino,” one shouts. He starts to thank his family.

7:59 a.m. Noynoy asks himself if he wants to continue on the fight, as he addressed supporters in Filipino. He recalls how the country has witnessed the outpouring of support for his family during the death and burial of her mother.

8:04 a.m. He admits that he didn’t want to get out of his retreat. But he realized that serving the people comes first. He praises Mar for his decision to give way. He also recalls his conversations with three people: One with a grade five student. One of the questions that struck him was a question about his sister, Kris Aquino. This remark elicits a laugh among the crowd.

8:09 a.m. Noynoy says the biggest sin among public servants is for people to lose hope.

8:10 a.m. I am accepting the plea of the citizens. I’m accepting the legacy of my parents. I also accept the responsibility to continue the fight for our people. I am accepting to lead the fight. My countrymen, I will run for president this coming elections. I will continue the fight. Thank you very much.

8:12 a.m. Answering questions, Noynoy says he’s expecting Manuel “Mar” Roxas II to be his running mate. But he will wait for his decision.

8:15 a.m. Sister Ballsy Aquino-Cruz addresses the supporters, acknowledging that they are supporting their brother in his bid for the president.

8:19 a.m. Noynoy Aquino answers various questions from supporters and the media.

8:23 a.m. My political career is very clear. I want to make democracy work not just for the rich but for everybody.

8:29 a.m. Everybody joins in the singing of “Bayan Ko.” Supporters also raise their fist while others flash the “Laban” sign.

8:31 a.m. Press conference ends. Noynoy is mobbed by the media.

8:33 a.m. In a brief interview with media, Noynoy reiterates that his decision to run for president is he’s response to a legitimate call from the people. He stressed that he’s also responding to the will of his parents. He welcomed all help for his fight for democracy.

Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez

Presidential aspirant Senator Manuel Roxas II gives way to Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

Saying he believed in “country above self,” Roxas stressed he would be supporting Aquino in the 2010 elections although it was not immediately clear whether Aquino would seek the presidency.

“Today, I’m announcing my support for the candidacy of Noynoy Aquino for president for 2010,” Roxas said in a televised press conference at the Club Filipino in San Juan, Metro Manila.

“Sa madaling salita, Noynoy has made it clear to me he wants to carry the torch of leadership,” he added.

However, Aquino, who was also at the press conference, did not deliver a speech.

Roxas said that after several talks with Aquino, they came up with a decision that would help them pursue their “common dream” for change.

“Ito na ang pinakamabigat na desisyon sa buhay ko [This is the biggest decision I've made in my life],” said Roxas who already released several political advertisements ahead of the 2010 polls. He is also set to marry broadcaster Korina Sanchez in October.

“I do this for unity in support for change…if that means somebody has to make a sacrifice, ako na,” he said.

The senator’s late father, former Senator Gerry Roxas, was a close friend and political ally of Aquino’s assassinated father, former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. The older Roxas and Aquino almost went against each other for the 1972 presidential elections, which did not push through when then president Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law.

Thea Alberto
Yahoo! Philippines

She was a woman of simplicity, honesty, and integrity. This was how most of her family and close friends remembered the late president Corazon Aquino.

In the necrological services at the Manila Cathedral Tuesday, Aquino was described as a woman who was never extravagant, yet full of love and always ready to share whatever she had.

“Simplicity characterized her in her lifetime. She is the most credible and outstanding embodiment of integrity,” said a nun, identified as Sister Remy.

“She is a loving sister. Cory, you will forever be with us,” Aquino’s brother, Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. said.

Aquino’s sister-in-law, Maria Aurora Lichauco, meanwhile, tagged the former president as a great mother, having been able to raise “refined, responsible and beautiful offsprings,” despite the absence of her husband, Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino who was killed at the tarmac upon his return to the Philippines in 1983. It was his death that sparked People Power revolution, which catapulted his widow to power in 1986.

“I promised Cory I will always be here for her children,” she added, making Aquino’s children emotional.

Designer Paul Cabral who made Aquino’s yellow funeral dress said the icon of democracy was “truly a wonderful woman.”

“Thank you for the fond memories. I feel blessed for the privilege of loving you and being loved in return,” he added.

But the most memorable speech came from Aquino’s bodyguard of 23 years, Inspector Mel Mamaril.

“She nicely treats people around her, no matter how big or small. She treated us just like how a mother treats her son,” said Mamaril who gave his boss a final salute. His act made Aquino’s youngest daughter Kris more emotional.

Aquino’s only son, Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, again thanked the public for condoling with their family, noting that they were deeply moved by messages from grade school students who were not even born at the time Cory was president.

“Mom, I really, truly believe you have fought a good fight and you have finished with a cause,” the senator said.

Also present the necrological services were Former president Fidel Ramos, diplomats, cabinet members of the Aquino administration, heads of business communities and ranking officials of the police and military.

Confetti partially covers the flag-draped coffin of late former Philippine President Corazon Aquino carried by soldiers for public viewing at La Salle University in Manila August 1, 2009. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

Thea Alberto
Yahoo! Philippines

People from all walks of life braved heavy rains and long lines just to get a glimpse of former President Corazon Aquino who passed away early Saturday after a year-long battle with colon cancer.

Politicians and showbiz personalities, most of them wearing black or yellow—Aquino’s signature color—also attended the first night of Aquino’s wake at the La Salle Greenhills gym.

Public viewing of the remains of the former leader started late Saturday and will continue until Monday morning. There will be 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. breaks.

Among those who visited the wake included former president Fidel V. Ramos, Aquino’s predecessor, who arrived just in time for the holy mass.

Vice president Noli de Castro, Senator Manuel Roxas II and former Senators Jovito Salonga and Robert Jaworski also came to condole with the Aquino family.

“We lost an exemplary leader of great quality and honesty,” said Salonga.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim was seen shedding a tear for the former president.

Whistleblower Jun Lozada who was also present said he would continue the fight for truth, as Aquino told him to do so. “She told me never to give up even when it may seem nobody cares anymore. She told me to hold on to faith,” said Lozada.

Kristina Aquino (2nd R), the youngest daughter of late former Philippine President Corazon Aquino, views her mother's coffin with her son and husband both named James Yap and her sister Maria Elena Aquino during a public viewing at La Salle school gym in suburban Mandaluyong, east of Manila August 1, 2009. REUTERS/Aaron Favila

Peaceful death

Kiko Dee, grandson of Aquino, said she died peacefully.

“She took one last breath and there was a flat line. I think she passed away peacefully,” Dee told Yahoo! Philippines.

He said he was able to talk to his grandmother before she was given a dose of pain killer.

“We all had our chances to tell her everything. I told her ‘Thank you’ for being an inspiration,” said Dee. “I cannot help but feel that my feeling of loss as his grandson is as big as the feeling of loss as a Filipino,” he added.

Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III welcomed guests who condoled with the family. Aquino’s youngest daughter, popular actress Kris Aquino came with her husband and professional basketball player James Yap.

After the holy mass held during the wake, Jiggy Cruz, son of Aquino’s eldest daughter Ballsy, thanked the people for extending their sympathies to their family.

“On behalf of our family, I would like to thank each and every one of you who joined us in this time of grief. These expressions of support have condoled us. We will miss our Lola [grandmother] very much,” said Cruz.

Another grandson read Aquino’s “prayer for a happy death.”

“When that final moment does come..let them know how much happiness they have brought to my life. Let them realize that separation is just for a short while as we prepare for a reunion,” he read.

Former Philippine leader Aquino dies

Thea Alberto
Yahoo! Philippines

The Aquino family has opted for a private funeral for the late Corazon Aquino instead of a state funeral given to former presidents, according to Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

Aquino said this was because his mother had chosen to be a private citizen when she finished her term in 1992, years after she was installed as the first woman president during the People Power revolution.

The democracy icon succumbed to colon cancer 3:18 am, August 1.

“We want to spend as much time as possible as a family,” said Aquino, as he thanked the public for following their advisories that visitors were not allowed at the Heritage Memorial Park.

He added that a necrology service in Malacanang might not be possible.

“I’m not anticipating an offer, I’m not asking for an offer. There’s a point in time that we would want privacy,” he said.

A public viewing, however, has been scheduled at the La Salle Greenhills gym starting 5 pm Saturday until Monday morning. The former president will then be brought to Manila Cathedral for an overnight vigil, requiem masses and necrological services. Interment will be at the Manila Memorial Park on Wednesday, the Aquino family said.

Aquino said his mother will wear her signature yellow dress and will be buried beside her husband, former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, whose assassination sparked the first EDSA revolution.

Fighting back tears during the press conference, Aquino said his sisters have been very emotional, but the death of their mother brought them closer.

“We draw strength from the five of us,” the senator said in a press conference Saturday.

He said he last talked to his mother days ago, before doctors gave the former president morphine to ease her pain.

“We were told to say everything we want to say because after the morphine she will be sleeping all the time,” he said.

He related that instead of complaining about her illness, the former president would first think about her children’s welfare or check what was on the news.

“Nung first time ko magbantay, she would ask me kung kumain na ako. Other times nagbabasa ako ng diyaryo itatanong niya ano laman niyan. She never demonstrated pain,” he said.

Thea Alberto
Yahoo! Philippines

UPDATE: Spokesperson Deedee Siytangco announced in a press conference that the public viewing of former president Corazon Aquino would be held at the La Salle Greenhills gym Saturday 5 p.m.

She will be buried on Wednesday, 9 a.m. at the Manila Memorial Park, the spokesperson added.

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Former President Corazon Aquino died after a 16-month battle against colon cancer, son and Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III announced to media early Saturday. Here’s an excerpt of the statement he read to media:

Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 a.m. August 1, 2009 of cardio respiratory arrest. She would have wanted us to thank each and every one of you for all the prayers and your continued love and support. It was her wish for all of us to pray for one another and our country. Hinihiling po ng aming pamilya ang konting panahon para makasama namin ang aming mahal na ina.

Senator Benigno "NoyNoy" Aquino Jr announces to reporters the death of his mother, former President Corazon Aquino, at the lobby of Makati Medical Centre in Manila's Makati financial district August 1, 2009. REUTERS/Erik de Castro (PHILIPPINES POLITICS OBITUARY HEADSHOT)

Reacting to the news, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who is now in the US, said that the country has “lost a national treasure” as she declared a 10-day period of national mourning. Former president Fidel Ramos said in a television interview that “not only the entire Filipino nation grieves, but the whole world. Cory Aquino represented the past and the future of our people and led in the direction for a better future for our people.” Supporters from all over the country and the world are now extending their prayers and sympathies to the country’s icon for democracy through social networks like Twitter. Former cabinet officials who served under the former leader also extended their sympathies through local television, calling her the heroine of democracy in the Philippines. Family friend Boy Abunda said in a television interview that Aquino’s children including Kris Aquino was with the former leader when she died. Armed policemen and security guards were seen outside the Heritage memorial park in Manila where the body of the late Aquino was brought.

Armed policemen stand guard as a vehicle with a yellow ribbon, a gesture of mourning, waits outside the Heritage memorial park in Manila where the body of the late former Philippine president Corazon Aquino was brought to, August 1, 2009. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco (PHILIPPINES OBITUARY)

In a television interview, former president Joseph Estrada said he was touched by the gesture of the former president when she apologized to him. Aquino supported the ouster of Estrada during the second People Power in 2001, which also catapulted President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo into power.

Television reports said that people have started placing flowers in front of the home of the Aquinos in Quezon City.

Flags were at half mast in Camp Aguinaldo.

Flags at half mast in Camp Aguinaldo

Here’s our full coverage on Cory Aquino.

Workers tie yellow ribbons on posts along a street as sign of support for former president Corazon Aquino. AFP PHOTO / NAT GARCIA

Going through more than 300 comments in our story about former President Corazon Aquino’s condition was quite heartwarming. From different places in the country and around the world, Filipinos posted their prayers and support for the former leader.

“There’s no other [person] like Cory Aquino who put her life [at stake] for the Filipino people who fought the democracy…You [will] always [be] part of our life as we are enjoying the fruit[s] of democracy,” said Rommel Rodriguez.

A user named Anna who lives in Al Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia posted this comment:

All things work together for good to those who love God! We thank God for using you as one of the good leaders of the Philippines. Here in Al Khobar, KSA, you are in our prayers. Let the joy of the Lord be the strength of each and every member of your family.God bless you and your family!

A lot of the comments were also in Filipino.

One user named Jovie posted this:

Minamahal ka ng buong Pilipino. Hangad namin ang iyong kagalingan. Kung ipagkakaloob ng Poong Maykapal na ikaw ay gumaling sana ngayon na. Subalit kung sapat na ang paglilingkod mo sa kanya dalangin ko na huwag munang marandaman ang hirap at sakit na nararandaman mo ngayon. Thy will be done Oh Lord kung ano ang nais mo para sa kanya.I Pray na Lord will give comfort sa mga maiiwan niyang pamilya at matanggap ang kalalagayan niya at ipaubaya na siya sa Poong Maykapal na lumikha kaysa nakikita siya na nahihirapan dahil saiyong kaharian wala ng sakit pang mararandaman.

Dean04 of Quezon City praised Cory for being a good example to Filipino women.

I hope that you’ll get well soon. You have been a good example to all especially to women. You are one of my idols. I pray you’ll regain your strong health. You are a good person of God and I know that he will take care of you. And even if I wasn’t born yet when you became president, even if I don’t know how you handled our country back then, I know deep here in my heart that you did a splendid job. I am proud of you. And watch you fighting with your illness, inspires me to fight also with my own problems. Watching you makes me proud to be a Pinoy.

Indeed, just as Filipinos have tied yellow ribbons in trees, cars and lamp posts to show their support for Aquino, Filipinos have found more creative ways to express their thoughts and feelings online.

User JBE puts it succinctly:

The Yellow ribbons that people [have] tied everywhere will be doubled or tripled [because] people [...] supported you in the fight for democracy in Edsa. You can see by the response that not only hundreds or thousands, but millions are wishing that your condition will be okay. Again the support of country-loving Filipinos is always with you.

You can see more comments here.