Marcoses pray for Cory

MANILA, Philippines - The Marcos family yesterday joined the nation in its prayers for former President Corazon Aquino.

In a statement, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the family is praying for the recovery of the ailing former president.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Aquino and her family in this difficult moment. I know how her family feels because we also went through the same experience with my father,” Marcos said.

Marcos, the son and namesake of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos who was ousted in the historic EDSA people power revolution in 1986, urged the nation to set aside politics and join the prayer for Mrs. Aquino. Former president Marcos died in exile in 1989 in Hawaii.

“Let’s drop politics on this one and just wish the former president peace in her heart and comfort in her pains. We believe in the power of prayer and that God serves as our best weapon against problems, trials and difficulties in life,” the younger Marcos said.

The Marcoses joined the Filipinos in the national prayer for the recovery of Mrs. Aquino, who was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in March last year.

The former president has been confined at the Makati Medical Center for over a month.

The entire nation is at a virtual standstill as millions of Filipinos hold prayer rallies for the democracy icon, hoping that she would overcome the battle against cancer.

Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III said yesterday his mother is “in a lot better condition than the previous day.”

“Now she is in a stable condition but at this point we don’t know if she will be stable for a very long time. Only God knows,” he said.

Aquino said they have been inspired by the outpouring of prayers from friends and supporters across the nation.

“Right now, we take inspiration from the sprouting of yellow ribbons, constant Masses and prayers conducted all over the country, as a sign perhaps of gratitude to our mother,” Aquino said.

In Davao City, residents showed support by putting up yellow ribbons along roads leading up to the Holy Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague.

Former Interior secretary Luis Santos led the yellow ribbon campaign in Davao as a show of support for his former boss.

Businessman Jesus Ayala, who served as Mrs. Aquino’s legislative liaison officer, also sponsored prayers and Masses for his ailing former chief.

The Ayalas had also put up a photo collage and video documentary on Mrs. Aquino’s visit to Davao.

Various sectors have offered prayers and Masses for the former president, who also had a number of other Davaoeños in her Cabinet.

Several members of the Yellow Friday Movement here in Davao City also initiated group prayers for the former president. – Aurea Calica, Edith Regalado