Former Philippine president Aquino's condition worsens, daughter says

Jul 20, 2009, 9:08 GMT

   Manila - The condition of ailing former Philippine president Corazon Aquino has worsened with the democracy icon now in pain from her colon cancer, her daughter said Monday.

   Aquino, who was catapulted into the presidency by a four-day popular revolt that ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos in February 1986, has been in hospital since last month.

   Her youngest daughter, Kris Aquino, appealed to the public to continue praying for the former president so 'that the suffering would be lessened.'

   'She is in pain already so please pray for her,' a weeping Kris told ABS-CBN television. 'This is the hardest time for all of us.'

   'We don't know how many more hours, days and weeks God will give her, but please help us pray that my Mom won't suffer too much pain,' she added.

   Aquino was diagnosed with colon cancer in March 2008.

   While Aquino underwent chemotherapy and was responding well to the treatment for some time, her health deteriorated last month, prompting her children to bring her to hospital.

   Filipinos in the strongly Catholic country, led by political and business leaders as well as government officials, have been offering masses for Aquino's recovery since she was hospitalized in late June.