Cory joins family in praying rosary

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Corazon Aquino led her family in praying the rosary, belying reports that her health has taken a definite turn for the worse, a close family friend revealed yesterday.

The family friend, who was allowed to visit the ailing former president in the hospital, said Mrs. Aquino was even able to join the family in saying the rosary after lunch.

Mrs. Aquino’s niece, Maria Montelibano, however admitted the former president is still in pain and being administered painkillers.

“Her children, like their mother, have surrendered to the will of God,” said Montelibano, who was Mrs. Aquino’s broadcast operations chief during her presidency.

Mrs. Aquino’s former spokeswoman Deedee Siytangco, on the other hand, called on the public to refrain from floating rumors that the former president is already dying.

“Please. The rumors are confusing the people and are causing panic to friends and relatives. Don’t listen to rumors,” Siytangco said.

Siytangco gave assurance that “there is nothing to worry” about Mrs. Aquino’s health. She said the former president is in “stable condition.”

Siytangco said she had talked with several family members who assured her the former leader is still “okay.”

Mrs. Aquino’s nephew Rafael Lopa also urged Filipinos to continue praying for the former president.

Lopa denied his aunt was given a 24-hour prognosis.

“There is nothing new. She is being monitored by her doctors,” he said.

Lopa said he will be among the first to know should his aunt’s medical condition take a turn for worse.

“Let’s continue to pray that she doesn’t suffer anymore pain. She is very much thankful to all those who are praying for her immediate recovery,” he said.

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney also pitched in for a prayer for Mrs. Aquino.

Kenney said the American people are also praying for Mrs. Aquino’s recovery.

“We are praying for (Mrs. Aquino and family), we are thinking of them, our hearts go out to them,” Kenney told reporters during the Mass held at the Manila City Hall.

“They are like family, not just to me but to America. Remember they lived in Boston for a number of years. Americans, I think, sometimes they think the Aquino family is part of America too,” she said.

Kenney said she represented the American people in attending the healing Mass for the former president.

Kenney also brought yesterday a personal letter from US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton “wishing a fast recovery” for Mrs. Aquino.

The former president was diagnosed with colon cancer in March 2008 and is currently under a 24-hour observation by doctors at the Makati Medical Center.

Before she was confined for loss of appetite last month, Mrs. Aquino was involved in preparations for a new documentary on her late husband, former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

The documentary, produced by the Benigno Aquino Jr. Foundation in partnership with the Ayala Foundation, features interviews given by Mrs. Aquino before she was hospitalized for complications related to colon cancer. –With Jose Rodel Clapano, Sandy Araneta