Nation observes 10-day mourning; Aquino family refuses state funeral

CEBU, Philippines - Immediately after early television and radio programs aired Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s statement announcing of the passing away of former President Corazon Aquino at 3:18 a.m. yesterday, President Gloria Arroyo ordered for the flying of the Philippine flag at half-staff to mark a 10-day national period of mourning.

As provided for in Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, the flag is flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning upon the official announcement of the death of a President or a former President. In doing so properly, the flag should be hoisted first to the peak of the pole for a moment then lowered to the half-mast position and should be raised to the peak again before it is lowered for the day.

It shall be flown at all the buildings and places where the decedent was holding office, on the day of death until the day of interment.

Further, it was confirmed that the Aquino family has refused of any state funeral for the former President.

They have decided on a private funeral next week, says an Agence France Presse report, obviously to veer away from much pomp and ceremony that go with the act of honoring heads of state.

The decision came shortly after Arroyo, straight from the United States at 9 a.m. Philippine Time, offered a state burial for Aquino and ordered the 10 days of mourning.

Noynoy and his four siblings had opted to bury their mother beside her late husband, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. at a private cemetery in Manila.

“That was the intention from the start,” Noynoy said, adding that nobody from the Presidential office had contacted him “nor am I waiting to talk to anybody there.” — Eleanor E. Valeros   (THE FREEMAN)