Cory Aquino's remains arrive at Manila Cathedral

The convoy carrying the remains of former President Corazon Aquino arrived at the Manila Cathedral Monday afternoon, a television report said. GMA News' Pia Arcangel said Mrs. Aquino's children arrived at the Manila Cathedral first and waited for the remains of their mother there. Her remains were transferred to the Manila Cathedral from La Salle Greenhills in Mandaluyong City, where a mass was held earlier in the day. The ride from Mandaluyong to the Manila Cathedral took almost five hours, with thousands of supporters shouting her name and confetti being showered on the streets.

A solemn atmosphere enveloped the whole Manila Cathedral as the casket of Mrs. Aquino was slowly carried to the altar. The casket was carried by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP). A Mass was then held presided by Balanga, Bataan Bishop Socrates Villegas. Nuns and family members surrounded the casket and offered their prayers for the late democracy icon. Mrs. Aquino, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in March 2008, died early Saturday morning due to cardiorespiratory attack. In 1986, she became the country's first woman president after a civilian-backed military uprising resulted in the ouster of then president Ferdinand Marcos. - GMANews.TV