FORMER President Cory Aquino is the mother of our democracy. She has been, and shall always be, the guiding light of our democracy.

Out of the pit of a dictatorship she has brought us back into the community of free nations-- leading it through a difficult period in its history, nurturing it with her love and warmth, and defending its freedoms to the very last breath of her mortal life.

I, personally, have had an uneasy history with her as our nation’s President. But looking back on it, I have come to realize even more her sterling qualities: her quiet but steadfast faith in God and the simple yet powerful message of hope she conveyed to a nation whose people she has led.

We may have lost her physical presence but never her spirit–the same spirit that now lives within you and me.

To our people, while we grieve her passing, it is incumbent upon us to preserve the freedom which her husband, Ninoy, has purchased with his blood and the blood of thousands of Filipinos, and which Tita Cory has spent her life nurturing.

In behalf of my family and the Magdalo, we are one with the entire nation in mourning this loss.

To the Aquino family, our deepest sympathy and condolences. – BRIG. GEN. DANNY LIM

I am Joanna C. Suarez, daughter of Congressman Danilo Suarez and former Congresswoman Aleta Suarez. On behalf of my family, I write in response to the item reported in the column of Lito Banayo published on 31 July 2009, stating:

"Danny Suarez, congressman of the Bondoc Peninsula upon Quezon was also supposed to be part of the presidential party. But his wife, busy restaurateur Aleta, originally of Bogo, in Cebu, passed away just the other day, in most untimely manner.

"My sincere condolences to Danny, with whom I sipped coffee on a rainy Sunday afternoon before the SONA and the tragedy."

Please be informed that my mother, former Congresswoman Aleta Suarez is alive and well, contrary to the report. The Daily tribune similarly published an erroneous report. We called their attention to the error and the Tribune published an Apologia on their front page.

Despite the apologia published in the Tribune, due to the report above we have received phone calls, text messages and emails from friends and relatives who were upset over the false item.

Please also be informed that my father, Congressman Danilo Suarez did join the U.S. trip.