Local leaders mourn demise of an "icon"

CEBU, Philippines - Officials of the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Cebu and the provincial government are saddened by the death of former President Aquino as she “inspired the Filipino people to fight and win back freedom and democracy in the country.”

“We mourn the loss of a great Filipino who fulfilled her remarkable role in our history with fortitude, humility and unquestionable integrity. Our sincerest condolences to the family of President Cory as we pray for the eternal repose of her soul,” Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said in her text message sent to The FREEMAN.

Victor Maambong, majority floor leader of the Provincial Board, said that the country has “lost an icon and enduring inspiration of democratic aspirations.

“Cory and her husband, Ninoy, are rare kindred spirits. They will live forever in the hearts of all Filipinos,” Maambong added.

As for Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, he said that, “we owe our freedom to Ninoy and Cory. How one couple can dismantle a dictatorship is unprecedented in the history of the world. Thank you Ninoy, thank you Cory. Thank you with all our hearts.”

Osmeña issued this statement hours after he learned of the death of Aquino.

Vice Mayor Michael Rama called on the people to continue working on the preservation of democracy.

“We need to be vigilant,” the vice mayor said.

Nancy Cuenco, wife of Cebu City south district Rep. Antonio Cuenco, described the death of her close friend as a “great loss” to our country.

Nancy and Cory became friends when they met in Manila during the stint of then President Ferdinand Marcos and claimed that she was the one who accompanied Cory to the Carmelites Monastery in barangay Mabolo, this city, during the start of the People Power revolution.

Cebu first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas said that the “nation mourns for she is orphaned with the death of a great, humble, self-sacrificing leader.”

For Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza, he expressed through a text message that “both in life and in death, Cory has wielded that famous Cory Magic by uniting the Filipino and her family in faith. Indeed, an exemplary figure for our nation.”

Meanwhile, Lawyer Democrito Barcenas also expressed his condolences to the Aquino family.

“Like most Filipinos, I have lost also a leader, an icon, a friend,” the former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu chapter said.

Barcenas is one of those few here in Cebu who participated actively in mass and protest actions against the rule of Marcos.

He cited how selfless Cory is for leaving immediately her post as soon as her term was over when she could have sought reelection.

“She is never hungry for power,” Barcenas recalled.

Former Compostela Mayor Gilbert Wagas also mourns the death of Aquino. Wagas said he “sees Cory as a mother.” — Garry B. Lao, Rene U. Borromeo, Johanna T. Natavio and Flor Z. Perolina/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)