President Arroyo who was on a state visit to the United States to meet with President Obama last week, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminal 2 around 3 am, Wednesday and went directly to Manila Cathedral to pay her last respect to President Aquino. However to the surprise of everybody, She only stayed for no more than 10 minutes. According to reports, It was intended so that the people who were still lining up be given chance, as the queue were paused upon the President’s arrival.
Senator Noynoy Aquino was there to welcome the President, despite his family’s “political conflict” with President Arroyo. Last December 2008, President Cory herself expressed publicly her apology to the deposed President Joseph Estrada for participating in the second EDSA revolution which propelled then vice president Arroyo to the presidency. Mrs. Arroyo arrived with Executive Secretary Ermita, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, DFA Secretary Alberto Romulo, DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza, Former AFP chief Hermogenes Esperon, Presidential Political adviser Gabriel Claudio and others.
Earlier, the Marcos family represented by Congressman Bong Bong Marcos and wife with Imee Marcos went to Manila Cathedral to likewise pay their respect to former president Aquino who was welcomed by Ballsy Aquino (Kris and Noynoy Aquino were not yet around that time). Late in the afternoon to evening, Necrological Mass was held at the wake celebrated by Cardinal Vidal. Among who spoke on stage to share their personal experiences with Cory were the emotional Gina De Venecia, columnist Conrad De Quiros, Congressman Teddy Locsin, Mayor Lim, Mel Mamaril and many others. Lim in his speech, promises to lead by example as a public officer, like what Aquino has done for the country. He said Cory was the best president ever. Also there to speak was Mel Mamaril the former bodyguard of Mrs. Aquino, He thanked his boss for all the care and support she has showed to him and his family. Both Lim and Mamaril saluted before the coffin.
Last funeral mass will be held at 9 am, August 5 Wednesday at the cathedral; after which the cortege will lead towards the Manila Memorial Park, passing through Roxas Boulevard, Quirino Avenue, Osmeña Highway, SLEX, then will exit to Sucat Road. Thousands of Filipinos are expected to come out once more in the streets.
The president of East Timor and his delegates will attend the interment ceremony. Military honors including 21 gun salutes will proceed in all military bases in the country.
Photo credit to AP
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