THE Philippine Congress proclaimed Benigno Aquino III the country’s new president yesterday amid high hopes he will fulfil his campaign promise to eliminate corruption and poverty and restore trust in government.

The son of Corazon Aquino had a wide lead in the Philippines’ presidential elections today after campaigning on a promise to restore the government’s credibility by prosecuting corrupt officials.

Military honour guards carried former President Corazon Aquino’s flag-draped casket to a school gym today for public viewing, as Filipinos mourned the democracy icon who swept away a dictator and fought off seven coup attempts.

Former Philippines President Corazon Aquino, who swept away a dictator with a “people power” revolt and sustained democracy by fighting off seven coup attempts in six years, died today, her son said. She was 76.

Cancer-stricken former Philippine President Corazon Aquino remains in a stable condition in hospital, but is no longer in intensive care, her spokeswoman said today.