Marcos seeks peace as Philippines mourns Aquino

[Coventina]

Source: AFP

MANILA — Former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos said Monday she wanted a reconciliation with the family of Corazon Aquino, as the ex-president's coffin was taken on a solemn procession through Manila.

Aquino, whose husband was assassinated by the forces of dictator Ferdinand Marcos after returning home from exile in 1983, died at the weekend following a battle with cancer.

"I can feel the pain, the loss of a loved one, so I am in prayer. If these two families reconciled, there will be a miracle for the Philippines," the former first lady said on television.

The Aquino family earlier said members of the Marcos family could attend the wake for the former president, who died Saturday at the age of 76, but should not expect a warm welcome.



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[bemildred]

1. Imelda would do better to shut up and stay in the background.

This is not about her.

[Captain Hilts]

3. No, it isn't, but she's got a LOT of supporters still. This encourages everyone to 'act nice'. nt

[bemildred]

4. The Aquino family doesn't sound worried about it.

It is true that funerals can be awkward and require tolerance, but in this case I don't see that Imelda has any right to interfere. It would be more respectful to stay silent and let the family do its thing.

[Captain Hilts]

5. I don't see this as interfering. I'm no fan of the Marcos family, but I do know

a lot of Filipinos. Right now, things are pretty chaotic there and anyone who encourages folks to play nice is probably doing a good service.

I mean,think about it. Just think of the right wing, armed crazies that supported Marcos.

[Captain Hilts]

2. Hmm...Imelda is a constant source of wonder. Here's hoping something good comes of this. nt

[RandySF]

6. Aquino's family is agreeing to some reconciliation

I heard this morning on ABS-CBN that the Aquinos will agree to some form of reconciliation. Cory's oldest child, Ninoy, wants to me president and I wonder if that has something to do with it.

[bemildred]

7. Huge crowds honor Aquino cortege in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Huge crowds reminiscent of the 1986 "people power" demonstration took to Manila's streets Monday to honor the passing of former President Corazon Aquino, who captured the hearts of Filipinos by ousting a brutal dictator and keeping democracy alive in the Philippines.

The flag-draped coffin of Aquino, who died Saturday after a yearlong battle with colon cancer, was paraded atop a flatbed truck along the streets where the hundreds of thousands of protesters she inspired had faced down army tanks 23 years ago and toppled Ferdinand Marcos.

Tens of thousands of mourners left their offices, schools and homes and converged on streets and overpasses, clutching yellow balloons, waving yellow ribbons and showering yellow confetti from high-rises on to Aquino's casket. Yellow was her signature color and the symbol of the nonviolent mass movement that ushered in an era of democracy after 20 years of authoritarian rule.

Manila's notorious traffic came to a standstill as the cortege inched on its five-hour procession through the city, including Ayala Avenue, where Aquino led many pro-democracy marches. Motorists rolled down windows and put out their hands to flash Aquino's trademark "L" sign for "laban," or "fight" in Filipino, the key slogan of the anti-Marcos campaign.

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