"Former President Cory Aquino is an icon representing that part of our history when popular democracy was born." - Tourism Secretary Ace Durano
"Yes, she fought the good fight of faith. Her spirit remains if we take up the cudgels of faith-impelled social transformation to becoming, i.e. a good Christian, a good citizen and a good leader. Rest now, Cory. Thanks a lot". – Fr. Carmelo Diola, Dilaab
"At last, she is reunited now with Ninoy." – Rep. Antonio Cuenco, Cebu City , south district
"We owe our freedom to Ninoy and Cory. How one couple could dismantle a dictatorship is unprecedented in the history of the world. Thank you, Ninoy. Thank you, Tita Cory. Thank you, from the Cebuanos, with all our love." – Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña
"We mourn the loss of a great Filipino who fulfilled her remarkable role in our history with fortitude, humility and unquestionable integrity. Our sincerest condolence to the family of President Cory as we pray for the eternal repose of her soul." - Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia
"I remember Cory for the best speech I’ve ever seen and heard – her address to the United States Congress in 1986. It summed up accurately what her biggest achievement in her life was – bringing democracy back to a country ruled by a dictator for too long." – Cebu City Councilor Jack Jakosalem
"Believe it or not, Cory Aquino really did not want to run for President. She only relented to make the sacrifice when she was presented more than a million signatures gathered by the Cory Aquino for President Movement, headed by the late Don Chino Roces, asking her to run because she alone could unite the opposition and beat President Marcos. I should know because I was the coordinator of the movement in Cebu and Region 7." – Deputy Speaker Raul del Mar, Cebu City, north district
"Cory is an icon of spirituality. Her leadership is one founded on deep faith in the Lord. This gave her administration the strong moral authority to cross the perilous waters during the period of transition from dictatorship to democracy. On a personal note, more than a boss in the Guest House, she was a loving and caring mother to all of us, then yuppies in the Palace. My family and I truly appreciate her being a part of us.” – Lawyer Roberto “Bobby” Lucila, former assistant to Executive Secretary Catalino Macaraeg and Exec. Sec. Oscar Orbos during Cory’s administration
"Yes, we lawyers lost a great leader who valued democracy and the rule of law. According to Frank Chavez, former solicitor general, Cory never influenced the Supreme Court so she would win her case. She was not hungry for power and she did not enrich herself in office. That is her lasting legacy."– Atty. Democrito Barcenas, former IBP Cebu president and OIC Cebu vice governor
"The nation mourns, for she is orphaned with the death of a great, humble, self-sacrificing leader. The family suffers an irreplaceable loss of a jewel of a mother, friend and inspiration! The Philippines’ Icon of Democracy is dead. And we all mourn." – Rep. Eduardo R. Gullas, Cebu, 1st district
"I deeply mourn the death of President Cory. She did not only believe in but also lived by the spirit and letter of the Constitution, a true servant leader. We owe her a lot of gratitude as a nation." – Cebu Regional Trial Court Judge Gabriel Ingles
"She was the ultimate symbol of the opposition. She opposed martial law and dictatorship. She fought for freedom and democracy, which we all now enjoy. She had so many battles and she fought to the end. I will always cherish her courage and the will to persevere, that despite the odds against her, it never broke her resolve." – Businessman Jonathan Guardo
"I’m grateful for having been appointed Regional Trial Court judge by President Aquino in 1987. I will not fail her. She was an icon of democracy, a light in the dark days of martial law. Despite all odds, she led the opposition to oust the dictator. She taught the extreme right and the extreme left that violence and armed struggle are not the only means of taking political power. She proved that we don’t need brilliant leaders but honest and clean people to lead the government. Thank you for the 1987 Constitution. Thank you for democracy. Thank you for the appointment." – Cebu RTC Executive Judge Meinrado Paredes
"Former President Cory Aquino was a woman of faith and integrity whose overpowering passion was to see constitutional democracy blossom in the Philippines. May our youth draw inspiration from her life of values and virtues as we approach the 2010 Elections!" – Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento
"Former President Aquino underwent many struggles and she managed to be the greatest leader of this country." – Deputy Visayas Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol
"I really felt sad and shed tears when I heard that she already passed. I remember how she took over governance of the country and the virtues she kept. I switched off the radio and went to my altar, lighted a candle and prayed for her soul. With humility and the purest intention to serve, she brought freedom back to the country." - Cebu Provincial Board Member Wenceslao Gakit
"I deeply mourn the death of President Cory. She did not only believe in but also lived by the spirit and letter of the Constitution, a true servant leader. We owe her a lot of gratitude as a nation." – Cebu Regional Trial Court Judge Gabriel Ingles
"Kaluoy si Cory. Siya ra ba jud ang nagpabalik sa demokrasya" – Geyln Montera, ambulant vendor in Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City
"In a way, she influenced my career a police officer because it was during her presidency that many policemen and soldiers fought fiercely against communism and worst, against each other. Her death should remind us how fragile democracy is and that we should strive with all our might to preserve it." - Senior Supt. Patocinio Comendador Jr., Cebu City police chief
"She was the ultimate symbol of the opposition. She opposed martial law and dictatorship. She fought for freedom and democracy, which we all now enjoy. She had so many battles and she fought to the end. I will always cherish her courage and the will to persevere, that despite the odds against her, it never broke her resolve." – Businessman Jonathan Guardo
"I really felt sad and shed tears when I heard that she already passed. I remember how she took over governance of the country and the virtues she kept. I switched off the radio and went to my altar, lighted a candle and prayed for her soul. With humility and the purest intention to serve, she brought freedom back to the country." - Cebu Provincial Board Member Wenceslao Gakit
"I’m grateful for having been appointed Regional Trial Court judge by President Aquino in 1987. I will not fail her. She was an icon of democracy, a light in the dark days of martial law. Despite all odds, she led the opposition to oust the dictator. She taught the extreme right and the extreme left that violence and armed struggle are not the only means of taking political power. She proved that we don’t need brilliant leaders but honest and clean people to lead the government. Thank you for the 1987 Constitution. Thank you for democracy. Thank you for the appointment." – Cebu RTC Executive Judge Meinrado Paredes
"Former President Cory Aquino was a woman of faith and integrity whose overpowering passion was to see constitutional democracy blossom in the Philippines. May our youth draw inspiration from her life of values and virtues as we approach the 2010 Elections!" – Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento
"Former President Aquino underwent many struggles and she managed to be the greatest leader of this country." – Deputy Visayas Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol
"C-Cimpel mourns the death of Cory Aquino. The Filipinos can be proud of the democratic legacy she brought back to the nation. We honor her life and legacy, if a a people, we move on to live out the values of integral politics and governance that she has consistently espoused." - C-Cimpel executive director Marilu Chiongbian
"We are saddened by her death. It was during her presidency that the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program was made into law although it has loopholes, there were farmers who were able to assert their rights and were able to avail of benefits due them. Even after her presidency, especially at this time where there is graft and corruption and some who want to perpetuate in power, Cory Aquino stood up with the farmers." - Estrella Catarata, executive director of the Central Visayas Farmers Development Center
"We lost an important icon of our time, one who rallied unity for truth and democracy. Her memory will continue to inspire any nation gripped with killings, corruption and dictatorships. Sayang, we lost her in a very critical period of our nation's history." - Vince Cinches, executive director of the Central Visayas Fisherfolk's Development Center
"May her death serve as catalyst to resolve the country's governance in similar manner that Ninoy's death hastened the dictator's fall. Cory will remain in the hearts of many who remember her courage for seeking the truth" – Lito Vasquez, Freedom from Debt Coalition-Cebu
"C-Cimpel mourns the death of Cory Aquino. The Filipinos can be proud of the democratic legacy she brought back to the nation. We honor her life and legacy, if as a people, we move on to live the values of integral politics and governance that she has consistently espoused." - C-Cimpel executive director Marilu Chiongbian
"The demise of our President Cory is a great loss to the country not just because she was a champion of democracy, but also because President Cory has been a beacon for good governance and unconditional dedication to the public service. Both in life and in death, Tita Cory, as she is fondly called by our people, has wielded the famous Cory magic by uniting the Filipino people in faith and prayer. Her death is truly a reiteration of Ninoy's eternal words —the Filipino is worth dying for. Our prayers goes to Tita Cory and her family." - Lapu Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza
"We are saddened by her death. It was during her presidency that the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program was made into law. Although it has loopholes, there were farmers who were able to assert their rights and able to avail of benefits due them. Even after her presidency, especially at this time where there is graft and corruption and some who want to perpetuate themselves in power, Cory Aquino stood up with the farmers." - Estrella Catarata, executive director of the Central Visayas Farmers Development Center
"Mao ba, namatay na siya? Kung makakita kog yellow nga color, maka-remember jud ko niya, because for me it symbolizes unity, sama sa iya gibuhat para natong Pilipino. (Is that so, she already died? If I see the color yellow I always remember her because she symbolizes unity. It's what she did for us Filipinos)” – Allan Malingin, security guard of M. Lhuillier Pawnshop
"We lost an important icon of our time, one who rallied unity for truth and democracy. Her memory will continue to inspire any nation gripped with killings, corruption and dictatorships. Sayang, we lost her at a very critical period of our nation's history." - Vince Cinches, executive director of the Central Visayas Fisherfolk's Development Center
"May her death serve as a catalyst to resolve the country's governance in similar manner that Ninoy's death hastened the dictator's fall. Cory will remain in the hearts of many who remember her courage for seeking the truth." – Lito Vasquez, Freedom from Debt Coalition-Cebu
"Usa siya sa maayong presidente sa atong nasud base sa akong mga nadunggan, but-an man pud gyud siya. Maayo na lang pud kapahuway na gyud siya (I heard that she was a good president and a good person. It’s better that she is now at rest.)" – Jojo Cagid, out-of- school youth and vendor
"Gulang na man pud siya, maguol ta sa iyang pagkamatay pero malipay na pud ko, kay di na kaayo siya mag-antos, sama sa pag-antos niya sa pagkawa sa iyanag bana ug sa pagkuha balik sa atong demokrasya. (She's already old and I am saddened by her passing. But I am also happy that she can now rest from her suffering like when she suffered when her husband passed away and she suffered much in giving us back our democracy.)” - Marlita Sugarol, street vendor
"I was in 4th year high school during EDSA people power in 1986. I finally met her personally in 1998, and I can't forget how she was gentle and soft spoken.” – Undersecretary of DDB, Atty. Paul Clarrence Oaminal