Cory Aquino statue ready to be unveiled in time for her birthday

A monument of the late president Corazon C. Aquino has been completed and is ready to be installed in Manila in time for her birthday on January 25, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim said. To be put up at the corner of Bonifacio Drive and P. Burgos St. in Ermita, Manila, the 15-foot, 250-kilo monument will be erected beside a statue of her husband, former senator Benigno Jr. whose assassination in 1983 led to a people power revolt that helped his wife become president. President Aquino’s monument is made of handcrafted brass sheets and based on a photo supplied by her family. The statue shows the late president flashing her famous ‘Laban’ sign while holding the Philippine Constitution in her left hand. Sculptor Ed Castrillo, with the help of 25 staff members, worked daily until late night to finish the work in record time, Lim said, citing a conversation with Castrillo’s son Nixxio. Lim, who personally paid for the statue’s construction costs, also went all the way to Cavite where the monument is already being given finishing touches by Castrillo. The Manila Mayor, who will formally unveil the monument, said that he was given the assurance that the monument will be ready by January 25. The unveiling will be attended by representatives of the Aquino family. “Everybody knows President Cory to be a defender of the Constitution and never violated any law during her tenure," Lim added. Castrillo’s staff are currently coordinating with city engineer Armand Andres for the monument’s installation on its pedestal which has also been completed. The elder Castrillo, who was Lim’s personal choice to build the monument, was the same sculptor who made the the famous EDSA Shrine and the Bonifacio Shrine beside the Manila City Hall. - RJAB Jr./GMANews.TV