of false alarm on former philippine president aquino’s death

False alarm on former Philippine President Aquino’s death: A text message that former President Corazon Aquino of “People Power” fame had died was circulating in the Philippines Friday, but people close to her quickly denied the rumour.

Toward the end of a mass for Aquino at the Manila city hall, former Supreme Court justice Adolf Azcuna was prompted by fellow Cabinet members of the former president to make the announcement after they all received a text message saying “Cory is dead.”

The announcement by the former presidential legal adviser caused churchgoers to break out in tears.

One of Aquino’s daughters, a family friend and a staff member of her son Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III confirmed that the former president was still alive.

“Please let us not make these untoward statements against Cory. She is still alive,” said Margie Juico, Aquino’s private secretary during her term as president.

“Let us await word from the family. Let us respect that and let us all pray for her,” said Juico.

The British embassy here, apparently receiving the same text message, issued a message of condolence to the Aquino family. It has since recalled its message.

The bed-ridden Aquino, 76, has been battling Stage 4 colon cancer for some months now.

She was the 11th and first-ever female president of the Philippines, serving from 1986 to 1992, calling herself a “plain housewife.”