It’s confirmed, former Philippine President Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino passed away early Saturday morning after a long battle with colon cancer. She was 76.

The Artuji staff sends their condolences to all friends and family of Tita Cory Aquino for their loss. We grieve on this sad day as the Philippines loses one of its greatest leaders.

At the time of her death, the 76-year-old widow was confined in a private room at the Makati Medical Center’s ninth floor.

Doctors had strongly advised to keep the former President in her hospital room so she could get immediate medical attention after her cancer spread from her colon to the liver, said Noynoy. Aquino’s weakened state made it impossible for her to undergo further chemotherapy.

Aquino was diagnosed with colon cancer in March 2008. She had chemotherapy and underwent surgery last April. She returned to hospital confinement last June 25 due to continued loss of appetite caused by fluid buildup in her stomach.

A statement from Former Finance Secretary Jose T. Pardo, a staunch supporter of Aquino read, “President Cory has earned her place in history as the leader who brought back hope to our country. She was our guiding light during those dark moments. She is an icon, beacon of democracy. She will live on forever in our hearts.”

Last Monday, Alberto Lim, executive director of the influential Makati Business Club (MBC), issued a statement noting that aside from restoring democracy in the Philippines, former President Aquino had also “saved the business sector from the cronies of the late Ferdinand Marcos.”

Aquino’s “historic” contribution to the business sector prompted the MBC to organize a nine-day noontime novena Mass, which started Monday.

“When President Aquino restored our democracy, she also salvaged the business sector, which was at that time being taken over by Marcos cronies. Democracy is very vital in business. If not for her, there is no vibrant business sector in the country,” Lim said.