President Cory Funeral

Today was declared by President Arroyo (GMA) as a holiday so that the nation can witness and participate in former President Cory Aquino's funeral. The outpouring of grief and gratitude to Tita Cory was very touching. Political observers noted that Tita Cory may well have been the most loved Philippine president of all time. This is a far cry from GMA, who will probably go down in history as the most despised (maybe even more than Marcos).

Although she did go straight to the wake at Manila Cathedral after cutting her US trip short, people doubt her sincerity and are not the least bit impressed with her token of sympathy. Even the Aquino immediate family were not really looking forward to her visit. This is after Malacanang pulled out the security detail assigned to Tita Cory after the latter started joining opposition calls for GMA to step down. I did not know this before but it turns out that the Constitution guarantees security protection for former presidents even after their term ends.

While GMA's visit was reviled by most, many were more impressed with the visit of the Marcos children, Bong Bong and Imee. It sparked hope that this is the beginning of the healing process between the two families that started with the conflict between their parents.

From Cory Aquino Funeral Along Ayala Ave.