Mrs Aquino has largely remained out of the public eye in recent months, with doctors fearing she may contract infections in her fragile state. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
MANILA - CANCER-STRICKEN former Philippine President Corazon Aquino left the intensive care unit and was in stable condition, her spokeswoman said on Thursday, as prayers for her recovery poured in from friends and even political enemies.
Symbol of return to democracy
THE murder of Mrs Aquino's husband, Mr Benigno Aquino Jr, in 1983 led to widespread street protests that culminated three years later in the toppling of Mr Marcos, who had ruled the Philippines for 20 years with an iron hand.
Mrs Aquino was installed as president shortly thereafter.
The 76-year-old democracy icon was admitted to the ICU of the Makati Medical Center last week after she stopped eating, spokeswoman Deedee Sytangco said.
'She's stable and she's conscious,' she told The Associated Press. She refused to provide details and Mrs Aquino's family appealed for 'solitude and privacy'.
Ms Sytangco said Mrs Aquino was moved to a regular room. The former president was diagnosed with stage-four colon cancer last year. She had been undergoing chemotherapy, but was no longer receiving treatment, Ms Sytangco said.
Mrs Aquino's former Cabinet members, friends and supporters gathered at a chapel near the hospital for the second day of nine days of noon Masses offering prayers for her recovery. Even Mrs Aquino's political nemesis wished her well.
Bejeweled former first lady Imelda Marcos, whose late husband Ferdinand was deposed by a 1986 'people power' revolt that catapulted Mrs Aquino to power, marked her 80th birthday with a short prayer for Mrs Aquino - whose administration she has derided in the past.
'Cory Aquino is fighting for her life. Let us pray for her health,' Mrs Marcos said before she bowed her head.
In an interview last month, she called Mrs Aquino an 'usurper' and a 'dictator'.
US Ambassador Kristie Kenney said the American people are inspired by Mrs Aquino's personal strength.
'She's been a strong person ... for this country for so many years,' she said. -- AP
