Remember Cory for restoring press freedom, VP Noli says

Journalists should remember former President Corazon Aquino for her contribution to advancing press freedom, Vice President Noli De Castro said on Saturday. "Malaking kawalan din si Pangulong Aquino sa ating mga broadcaster (President Aquino is a big loss to our broadcasters)," De Casto said during a chance interview with reporters on Saturday at the La Salle Greenhills gymnasium where Mrs. Aquino's body lies in state. He said it was Mrs. Aquino who brought back press freedom, which was suppressed during the martial law years under the Marcos administration. De Castro said today's leaders should emulate Mrs. Aquino's sincere and honest intentions in serving the country. He said the former president's reputation was unmarred by corruption. The 76-year-old Aquino, icon of people power in the Philippines and around the world, passed away at 3:18 a.m. Saturday. The official cause of death was cardiorespiratory arrest. She was diagnosed with colon cancer in March of last year and was treated with chemotherapy. Last May, she underwent surgery to have parts of her colon removed. She was brought to the Makati Medical Center in June due to loss of appetite. She never left the hospital, as her declining condition sparked a wave of emotion in the country and prompted the widespread appearance of yellow ribbons - on trees, car antennas, and even the Web. - Aie Balagatas See, GMANews.TV