Aquino died of cardiopulmonary arrest after complications of colon cancer at the age of 76 on August 1, 2009, 3:18 a.m., at the Makati Medical Center. Aquino was diagnosed with the disease in March 2008 but kept up public appearances this year. A devout Catholic, she was a regular at weekend mass until shortly before being admitted to hospital in late June.
"Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 a.m. (19:18 GMT Friday) of cardio-respiratory arrest," her son, Senator Benigno Aquino III, told reporters in Manila.
All Roman Catholic dioceses had started requiem masses for Aquino, after they held "healing masses". Meanwhile, the government declared a week of mourning for her death. Former President Estrada said that they lost a "mother" and a "guiding
voice of the people." Aquino supported Estrada's removal from office in
2001, but the two supported each other to oppose amendments in the
constitution since last year. The Senate has also expressed its grieving with Aquino's death; Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who along with Fidel Ramos launched the People Power Revolution, asked the public to pray for her. Minority leader Aquilino Pimentel, who previously served as interior and local government secretary
during her administration, had "mixed feelings" with Aquino's passing,
saying "We shall be forever indebted to Cory for rallying the nation
behind the campaign to topple dictatorial rule and restore democracy."
International figures expressed their grief, with United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton noting that Aquino was "admired by the world for her extraordinary courage". White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
said that "Her courage, determination, and moral leadership are an
inspiration to us all and exemplify the best in the Filipino nation."
Other ambassadors also sent their messages of condolence following her
passing.
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