Villar Offers His Condolences to the Cory Aquino's Family

I join the entire nation in sending my condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of former President Corazon 'Cory' Aquino.

The overflowing amount of prayers and support that Filipinos from all walks of life--from the slum dwellers to the members of the working class and the elite society--are truly a testament as to how much Cory was loved and how deep was her impact to all of us. In life and in death, she is a unifying presence.

Many will remember her as the grieving widow of Ninoy Aquino who launched the People Power--a peaceful and bloodless revolution that the whole world is still in awe of until now. Besides 'people power' though, she also instilled in Filipinos, through example, that prayers can be just as powerful.

Hindi talaga matatawaran ang kanyang kontribusyon sa ating bansa at pati na rin sa buong mundo. Naibalik ni Cory ang demokrasya sa Pilipinas. Higit pa dito, noong panahon ng kanyang panunungkulan, taas-noo ang mga Pilipino dahil sa paghanga ng buong mundo sa Pilipinas bilang isang malaya at maunlad na bansa.

But more than an icon of democracy and a great Filipina, Cory was a devoted wife, a dedicated mother, a doting lola, and a dear friend to many. Our family's prayer is for them to find healing and comfort with the grace of God.

The same kind of dignified courage she demonstrated in her presidency was the same kind of courage she displayed throughout her battle with colon cancer. And now she is free of pain and will join her Creator.

Let us keep Cory's legacy of democracy, unity and honesty alive.