http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/08/01/2643018.htm?section=world
Philippine's people power leader Aquino dies
By South East Asia correspondent Karen Percy
The woman who led the Philippines people power movement in 1986, former president Corazon Aquino, has died at the age of 76 from cancer, her family has announced.
Ms Aquino was the first female president in the Philippines and made history in 1986 when her so-called yellow revolution forced dictator Ferdinand Marcos out of office, after almost 20 years in power.
She was married to Senator Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino who had opposed Marcos and was assassinated in 1983 as he returned from exile.
Until that time, Ms Aquino had no public role in politics.
During her presidency from 1986 to 1992 she faced a number of attempted military coups. Her attempts to implement political and economic reforms failed and she eventually stepped down.
While she was not altogether successful in making the changes she promised during her presidency, Ms Aquino continued to be popular among the Filipino people long after she left office in 1992.
Philippines President Gloria Arroyo says the country has lost a national treasure.
"Our nation will mourn her passing. Corazon Aquino helped lead a revolution that restored democracy and the rule of law at a time of great peril," she said.
"I'm announcing today that that we'll officially observe a 10-day period of national mourning. The nation prays for Corazon and her family."
Ms Aquino was born in 1933 into one of the richest families in the Philippines.
In March 2008, she was diagnosed with colon cancer.
Philippine's people power leader Aquino dies
By South East Asia correspondent Karen Percy
The woman who led the Philippines people power movement in 1986, former president Corazon Aquino, has died at the age of 76 from cancer, her family has announced.
Ms Aquino was the first female president in the Philippines and made history in 1986 when her so-called yellow revolution forced dictator Ferdinand Marcos out of office, after almost 20 years in power.
She was married to Senator Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino who had opposed Marcos and was assassinated in 1983 as he returned from exile.
Until that time, Ms Aquino had no public role in politics.
During her presidency from 1986 to 1992 she faced a number of attempted military coups. Her attempts to implement political and economic reforms failed and she eventually stepped down.
While she was not altogether successful in making the changes she promised during her presidency, Ms Aquino continued to be popular among the Filipino people long after she left office in 1992.
Philippines President Gloria Arroyo says the country has lost a national treasure.
"Our nation will mourn her passing. Corazon Aquino helped lead a revolution that restored democracy and the rule of law at a time of great peril," she said.
"I'm announcing today that that we'll officially observe a 10-day period of national mourning. The nation prays for Corazon and her family."
Ms Aquino was born in 1933 into one of the richest families in the Philippines.
In March 2008, she was diagnosed with colon cancer.
