IN a short novena at the end of the Mass held yesterday in Malacañang for the repose of ex-President Corazon Aquino’s soul, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo prayed “for the healing of unhappy feelings of her death which now live in our hearts.†The President arrived 3:42 a.m. at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and headed straight to the wake. She was welcomed at the Manila Cathedral by Senator Benigno Aquino III, who was told by his aunt, Lupita Aquino Kashiwara, that Mrs. Arroyo was supposed to stay for only 30 minutes.
Mrs. Arroyo viewed Mrs. Aquino’s remains twice and left after almost 10 minutes. She said that she wanted to give way to the thousands of people who have lined for more than six hours. “Nang malaman niya na hihinto ang pila ng mga tao, minabuti na niyang tumuloy,†Sen. Aquino told People’s Tonight.
Sen. Aquino shook hands with Mrs. Arroyo. His other sisters were not present during the short visit.
“We managed to treat each other civilly. Wala naman kaming masyadong pinag-usapan. Ako’y masaya dahil natupad ko ang mga pangako sa aking mga magulang. Siguro naman ’di ako nagkulang sa tagubilin,†Aquino told reporters.
Before Mrs. Aquino arrived at the church, seen paying last respects to Aquino were Interior and Local Government Sec. Ronaldo Puno and former presidential chief of staff Mike Defensor.
