The country’s beloved “Icon of Democracy” is fighting the hardest battle of her life at the Makati Medical Center.

Former President Cory Aquino is now out of the Intensive Care Unit and in a private room, a decision she and her children made in consultation with her doctors. Her courageous battle with colon cancer has been inspiring with “bonus time” for her living a quality life the past year and a half.

She is no longer receiving any chemotherapy or any other medical interventions, a family member informed the Manila Bulletin.

She is aware of the many people praying for her, sending her well-wishes and continues herself to be prayerful.

Since she was confined at the hospital more than a week ago, no visitors have been allowed, and only her children Ballsy, Senator Benigno III, Pinky, Viel, and Kris have been taking turns at her bedside.

Her former Cabinet secretaries like Senator Frank Drilon, Ramon del Rosario, Popoy Juico, Justice Adolf Azcuna; Bigay Puso Ladies Margie Juico and Odette Ong; Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, friends Elvira Chan, Virgie Ramos, Gina de Venecia, former DSWD secretary Dinky Soliman attended the mass held at the Greenbelt 5 chapel yesterday for her healing.

Son-in-law Manolo Abellada represented the Aquino family.

Her close friends have organized daily novena masses at the Greenbelt 5 chapel where “Tita Cory” used to go to hear noon masses.

Today, her friend, Fr. June Sescon will celebrate the mass for her healing.

Meanwhile, Senators Manuel ‘’Mar’’ A. Roxas II and Manuel Villar Jr. enjoined the Filipino nation on Thursday in praying for the former president as she enters a critical period in the battle against  cancer.

“I have heard the news that President Cory Aquino is undergoing a difficult time in her illness. I join our people in the prayers for her quick recovery. President Cory is one of the great leaders I respect and emulate. Mrs. President, please fight on, we need you,” said Roxas in a statement.

In a separate statement, Villar said, “I enjoin the Filipino nation to offer a prayer for former President Cory Aquino as she enters a critical period in the battle against cancer.

“We will forever be indebted to President Cory for her significant contribution to the restoration of democracy in the country. In this time when there are serious threats to our democracy, she remains

“Our prayers are also with the members of her family. May their unshakeable faith in God strengthen them in this difficult time.”

A spokesperson for Senator Aquino said he thanked “all those who attended the Novena yesterday and those who continue to pray for his mother’s healing.” (with a report by Mario B. Casayuran)