Cory's stay in hospital indefinite

MANILA, Philippines – It will be an indefinite stay at the hospital for former president and people power icon Corazon Aquino as she struggles against colon cancer which has left her physically weak, her spokeswoman Deedee Siytangco said yesterday.

But Siytangco said she was not aware of the exact condition of the former president, who was said to be in “strong fighting spirit” despite loss of appetite due to fluid build-up in her stomach.

“I’ve not been to the hospital so I can’t give you further details. I don’t know her medical condition but she is conscious,” Siytangco said. “We are also awaiting word from the family.”

Mrs. Aquino is in a private room at the Makati Medical Center after she was moved out of the hospital’s intensive care unit. Only immediate family members are allowed to see her.

In a statement, the Aquino family thanked everyone who prayed for or sent messages of sympathy to the ailing former chief executive.

They also reiterated their wish for privacy and solitude and appealed to the public for understanding.

Siytangco said the healing novena at the Greenbelt Chapel will continue until its last day on Thursday.

She clarified that there is no invitation for personalities to come and participate in the novena mass.

“There is no invitation. Everybody is welcome here. This chapel is open to anyone,” Siytangco said.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, former justice secretary Franklin Drilon and former public works and highways secretary Jose “Ping” de Jesus attended yesterday’s Mass.

“Mrs. Aquino is an ideal lady who we all hold in high esteem. Everybody is now offering prayers for her speedy recovery. Her name will always be associated with good governance,” Lim said.

For his part, Drilon encouraged the public to continuously pray for Mrs. Aquino. “We will continue to pray to help ease the burden of the Aquino family,” Drilon said in Filipino.

“We are praying, hoping for a miracle. I can say that the former president’s thoughts and actions were all for the good of the country,” De Jesus said.

Mrs. Aquino was diagnosed with colon cancer in March 2008. Recently, Mrs. Aquino refused further chemotherapy and other medical procedures.