Messages poured in on the commemoration of the 13th death anniversary of democracy icon, former President Corazon Aquino, who died in 2009 at age of 76 because of advanced colon cancer.
Former vice president Leni Robredo spoke about what Aquino meant to her and to Filipinos.
“President Cory stood as the symbol of hope and possibilities, answering the call to serve our nation in a most consequential time,” she wrote on Facebook, while sharing a photo of her in front of a large portrait of the former president.
“We must not forget the crucial role that she played as a woman of firsts, leading the Filipino people through the birthing pains of a democracy with grace and quiet strength,” Robredo added.
While recognizing the “tumultuous years” that followed Aquino’s presidency, the former vice president emphasized how Aquino’s faith must serve as an inspiration “amid the many challenges that we face as a nation” and what the nation can achieve “when we stand in solidarity.”
Former senator Bam Aquino posted about how the family will commemorate her death anniversary.
“Today, as we remember President Cory’s faithful hope and love in service of our country, we invite you to virtually gather for a Holy Mass in Commemoration of her 13th Death Anniversary,” he wrote on Facebook.
A virtual mass was celebrated by Fr. Ricky Montañez and aired live on the Facebook page of Ninoy & Cory Aquino Foundation at 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 1.
Former senator Franklin Drilon, who served as labor secretary, justice secretary, and executive secretary during Aquino’s time as president from 1986 to 1992, posted on Instagram about her death anniversary, as well as the recent death of former president Fidel V. Ramos.
He posted a photo of him with both former presidents.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, the only incumbent senator hailing from the opposition, also remembered Aquino’s death anniversary.
“Mabuhay ang kanyang pamana (Long live her legacy). May she rest in peace. May we continue to exercise people power & engage our contested democracy to make it meaningful to the everyday lives of the majority of our people,” she wrote on Twitter.
Leah Navarro, singer, activist, and self-confessed “dilawan", according to her Twitter bio, also gave tribute to Aquino.
“President Cory Aquino died 13 years ago today but she left a legacy worth keeping alive. There are millions of us who continue the fight for good governance, accountability, honest public service, compassion and patriotism, thanks to her. We will never forget,” she wrote.
Even President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., whose father, the late strongman, was deposed in the bloodless EDSQ People Power Revolt led by Aquino, sent flowers to her tomb at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.
A supporter was also photographed visiting her tomb and lighting incense sticks.
Aquino died on August 1, 2009, after years of battling colon cancer. At that time, her son, the late President Benigno "Noynoy" S. Aquino III, said her body was too weak to continue therapy.
As her husband’s death catapulted her to the presidency, so did her death pushed then-Senator Noynoy Aquino to run for president.
Aquino is widely regarded as the country’s democracy leader, having fueled the People Power uprising that threw out the Marcoses from Malacańang in 1986.
And while her presidency was mired with economic and political upheavals, her death was mourned by millions of Filipinos, thousands of whom lined up to the Manila Cathedral where her wake was held.
Thousands also poured into the streets to rain yellow confetti on her funeral march toward Manila Memorial Park that lasted for several hours. The hours-long funeral march attended by thousands brought to mind the funeral of her husband, former Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., who was assassinated on August 21, 1983.