Arroyo saddened over Cory's medical condition

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday joined various sectors in extending sympathies to former President Corazon Aquino who was diagnosed with colon cancer. In a statement, President Arroyo said she is saddened over Mrs Aquino's health condition, noting that the former President led the country in "peaceful change." Mrs Arroyo also appealed for prayers for the recovery of the former President. "Nalulungkot tayo, ang sambayanang Pilipino, sa karamdaman ni dating Pangulong Aquino. Siya ang nanguna sa ating bansa sa mapayapang pagbabago. Ipanalangin natin ang paggaling niya at ang katatagan ng kanyang pamilya," President Arroyo said. On Monday, Mrs Aquino's daughter, Kris, said medical tests confirmed that the former president is suffering from colon cancer. Mrs Aquino is a vocal critic of President Arroyo. In fact, the former president has twice called for President Arroyo to step down from her post over corruption allegations in her administration. Mrs Aquino also accompanied ZTE deal probe witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr in some of his public appearances exposing corruption in government. - GMANews.TV