This just in.

Malacanang has declared August 5, 2009, Wednesday as special non-working holiday as the nation pays our last respects to former President Cory Aquino and honor her burial.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the proclamation would “give Filipinos a chance to pay their respects and appreciation” to the late former president. Wrote the Inquirer

The Aquino family has declined a state funeral for the former president.

I will have to say that I am deeply saddened by the loss of our dear former president. US President Obama was right to call her an “Icon of Democracy”.

We owe the freedom that we enjoy today to Cory Aquino. Of all the presidents that served after Marcos, I can honestly say that she is the only one who did not see power to wield as her own… but rather as a means to serve the Filipino people.

I was a young lad when EDSA I happened and I was there. I am glad to have been a part of our history and to have lived through Cory’s presidency.

I think the “miracle” that we hoped to happen when we prayed for her is now a reality, Cory has shown us how it is to be a leader, how it is to serve.

I just hope that the future leaders of this country will follow that example.

Rest in peace, madam. You will live on in our hearts forever!

My condelences to the Aquino family.