Arroyo monitoring Cory Aquino's condition

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is keeping tabs on the health of former President Corazon Aquino and is urging Filipinos to continue praying for the ailing democracy icon’s recovery, a Palace official said on Tuesday. “The President and the Palace are continuously and closely monitoring the health of the former president. Siya ay nananawagan na ipagpatuloy natin ang pag-aalay natin ng panalangin para sa dating President Cory Aquino," Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said. President Arroyo had led a healing Mass for Mrs. Aquino in Malacañang last July 10. Mrs. Aquino, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in March 2008, has been confined at the Makati Medical Center since June 25. Her daughter, television personality Kris Aquino, said her mother’s body is too weak for chemotherapy. Mrs. Aquino, widow of Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., has been a vocal critic of the Arroyo administration. She even called for President Arroyo's resignation in 2005 at the height of the "Hello, Garci" scandal. The scandal refers to the alleged wiretapped conversations where vote-rigging was discussed by a woman presumed to be President Arroyo and a man alleged to be then Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Virgilio Garcillano. House concerned, too At the House of Representatives, Speaker Prospero Nograles said the chamber is also joining the Filipino people in praying for Mrs. Aquino’s well-being. In a statement, Nograles said the House is saddened by Kris' statement that the former president is “in pain." Nograles said Mrs. Aquino's "complete trust in the Most High, her patriotism and quest for social justice are what really endeared her to all of us, to all Filipinos, and even the world." "Her unique leadership, anchored on integrity and honesty, transcended partisan politics. She continues to be our nation’s inspiration and strength," he said. Mrs. Aquino had been instrumental in the fall of the more than 20 years of Marcos dictatorship. She was installed to power in February 1986 following a civilian-backed military uprising, and has been recognized as a global democracy icon ever since. - GMANews.TV