Philippines pays respects to a ‘national treasure’

THOUSANDS of mourners paid their last respects to former Philippine president Corazon Aquino yesterday, lining up to file past her coffin in silent tribute to the “People Power” democracy leader.

Aquino, who died at the age of 76 on Saturday after battling colon cancer, led millions of Filipinos in protests against dictator Ferdinand Marcos in a popular revolt in 1986, before taking over as president.

World figures led by US President Barack Obama paid tribute to Aquino as “an inspiration”, while President Gloria Arroyo cut short a United States visit, declaring 10 days of mourning for the woman she described as a “national treasure”.