Noynoy visits parents' tombs, asks for guidance

President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Sunday visited the tombs of his parents, democracy icons Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino, to offer prayers, a television report said. In her report on QTV's "Balitanghali," GMA News' Lei Alviz said Aquino was accompanied by his sisters — Ballsy, Pinky, Viel, Kris — and their respective families. Mr. and Mrs. Aquino's graves are located side-by-side in a simple mausoleum at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City. The two are known in Philippine history as pillars of democracy for going against the 20-year dictatorial rule of former President Ferdinand Marcos. Ninoy was assassinated in August 1983, fueling anti-Marcos sentiments among Filipinos that culminated in the first People Power Revolutionin February 1986, the event catapulted Cory to the presidency.

Cory, who was president until 1992, died of cancer August last year. The report said Aquino asked for his parents' guidance as he prepares to take on the responsibility of a Philippine president come June 30. He was proclaimed by the 14th Congress last June 9. According to the report, the Aquino family was likewise surprised to see flowers sent by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last Saturday, Independence Day. The Aquinos have been at odds with the outgoing president, with Cory even calling for Mrs. Arroyo's resignation in 2005 when allegations of election fraud broke out. - KBK, GMANews.TV