Cory's 3rd death anniversary marked today

MANILA, Philippines - Today marks the third death anniversary of former President Cory Aquino, the democracy icon whose death in 2009 due to colon cancer sparked calls for her only son Noynoy to run for president.

To commemorate Cory’s third death anniversary, Palace sources said there would be a Mass in the morning at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City, where the tomb of Cory and martyred hero Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. is located.

Another Mass is also set at 5:30 p.m. at the EDSA Shrine, which would be officiated by Antipolo Bishop Gabriel Reyes and assisted by Fr. Leo Nilo Mangussad, rector of EDSA Shrine (Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace).

The President’s siblings would accompany him when he leads the unveiling of the bust and mini photo exhibit for Cory.

Last year, during a Mass held at the Aquino tomb, the President thanked his parents for being his guiding light, as well as for their “constancy.”

“No matter what travails we go through, no matter how impossible the situation we’re in, somehow just by talking to one or either of them would produce such tremendous comfort for all of us,” Aquino said of his parents.

He said the same “constancy” characterized the life and struggle of his father.

The President said his parents led such “exceptional lives” that he could not help but feel thankful for their influence on him.

Aquino said an example of his parents’ constancy was their strong faith in God.

He said despite the agonies his parents suffered in life, their faith never waned.

“And that is a lesson really taught to me... through the demonstrations in their lives,” Aquino said.

The President admitted missing his mother, who succumbed to colon cancer at age 76.

Aquino said he would still call out to her during “frustrating” situations.

He, however, could not afford to feel depressed for long, given the challenges that he faces.

Last year’s Mass was attended by the Aquino clan, Cabinet secretaries, supporters, and close friends.

In his homily, Fr. Catalino Arevalo SJ, a good friend of the former president, praised Cory for her strong faith in God.