MANILA, Philippines - Former President Corazon Aquino is now taking in small portions of food to supplement the fluid being inserted into her body through intravenous therapy, her nephew said Thursday. âSince her confinement last week, Auntie Cory is slowly recovering after she lost appetite and became weak due to the lack of essential nutrients," said Rapa Lopa, nephew of cancer-stricken Mrs. Aquino. He said that his cousins, Mrs. Aquinoâs children, requested him to extend their âdeep appreciation" for all the prayers that people have been offering for their mother during the last nine days. âThey wish to let all of you know that they continue to trust God's healing power and his divine will and said the burden weighing on them today is made lighter by your mere presence here and the outpouring concern and prayers for those who cannot be with us today," he said. Mrs. Aquinoâs spokesperson, Deedee Siytangco, also told reporters on Thursday that the former president has asked her aide who were present at the Mass and smiled.
More masses to come But Siytangco said that even though the nine-day novena for Mrs. Aquino has ended, it doesnât mean that there will be no more Masses for the ailing political figure. She said that a Mass will be offered for Mrs. Aquino at the Ateneo De Manila University, 6 p.m. on Friday. She also said that another series of healing Masses will be held Monday to Friday next week for the former president at the Rockwell Chapel in Makati. âItâs not ours, [but] it's also a group that's also close to her," she said. Moreover, Siytangco said she heard that even President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will be offering a Mass for Mrs. Aquino. âWe'll, as Iâve said weâre happy that people are praying for her, weâve been invited, I think some of us will go, I think theyâre sincere," she said. Siytangco was not sure whether Mrs. Aquinoâs children would be attending any of the upcoming masses.
- with Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV