Cory Aquino calls her 5 kids to bedside

MANILA, Philippines—The ailing Corazon Aquino called all her five children to her bedside on Tuesday night, according to her youngest daughter.

“Last night, we were all here [at Makati Medical Center]. I called all my siblings after my mom asked for all of us to be together,” TV host and actress Kris Aquino said Wednesday in a text message to the Inquirer.

Aquino, 76, was diagnosed with colon cancer early in 2008 and has been confined at the hospital since June for loss of appetite.

Her other children are Ma. Elena “Ballsy” Cruz, Victoria Elisa “Viel” Dee, Aurora Corazon “Pinky” Abellada and Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

The former President remains in stable condition, her spokesperson Deedee Siytangco told reporters after the third of five healing Masses was celebrated Wednesday at Manila City Hall.

“As far as I know, she’s stable [and] her vital signs are okay. But her appetite has not improved,” said Siytangco, who urged the public to ignore nasty rumors about Aquino’s condition.

Siytangco said the Aquino family had promised to update her.

“They promised to call if anything changes,” she said. “I know the public needs to know, but if there are rumors—I know there are—just ignore them. You [will hear updates] from us.”

Letter from Hillary

Masses for Aquino’s healing have been celebrated at Manila City Hall since Monday.

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, Ambassador Miguel Perez Rubio and former Senate President Franklin Drilon were among those who attended Wednesday’s noon Mass along with Manila City Hall officials and employees, most of whom came dressed in Aquino’s signature yellow.

Kenney later told reporters that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had sent a letter to Aquino.

“I am here for a special reason, because not just myself and the government of the United States but also several millions of Americans are praying for President Cory. I am here to represent them,” Kenney said.

The ambassador added: “I also brought today to the Aquino family a personal letter from US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to President Cory wishing for her fast recovery.

“I think she has made many contributions. One is for being strong in the face of adversity, and being true to her beliefs in freedom and liberty, and certainly her faith as well. She’s always for Filipinos first. These are great contributions not only for leaders, but also for many Filipino citizens.”

Siytangco said the letter—“a personal note, an offering of prayers”—was delivered to Aquino by her former appointments secretary, Margie Juico, who was also at the healing Mass.

More Masses

Another healing Mass was celebrated by Fr. Greg Banaga at Adamson University Wednesday at 5 p.m.

An “alay na dasal ng mga mahihirap” (offering of prayers by the poor) is scheduled on July 26 at 9 a.m. at Sto. Niño Church in Tondo, Manila.

It is being organized by former President Joseph Estrada.