Corazon Aquino Has Cancer

'80s icon of Philippines' 'people power' diagnosed with colon cancer
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 25, 2008 7:29 AM CDT
Corazon Aquino Has Cancer
Former Philippine President Corazon Aquino, left, talks with Rodolfo Lozada Jr. during a prayer rally at the De La Salle school in suburban Manila, Philippines in this Feb. 17, 2008 file photo.    (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Corazon Aquino, who swept to the presidency of the Philippines on a wave of "people power" in 1986, is suffering from colon cancer, AP reports. Her daughter appealed to the country on Philippine TV to pray for her mother's recovery, and to respect the family's privacy. Religious and political leaders expressed sorrow.

The huge, peaceful demonstrations that toppled the Marcos dictatorship and put Aquino in power have become a model for democratic movements. Aquino, 75, has remained active in politics since her presidency ended in 1992, and recently joined demonstrations calling for President Gloria Arroyo to resign following allegations of corruption and vote-rigging. Arroyo said the government would join those praying for Aquino's speedy recovery. (More Philippines stories.)

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