MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has called on the people to pray for the speedy recovery of former president Corazon Aquino, who has been diagnosed with colon cancer.

“Nalulungkot tayo, ang sambayanang Pilipino, sa karamdaman ni dating Pangulong Aquino. Siya ang nanguna sa ating bansa sa mapayapang pagbabago [We are saddened, the whole Filipino nation, over news of former president Aquino’s illness. She led the country towards peaceful change],” Arroyo said in a statement.

“Ipanalangin natin ang paggaling niya at ang katatagan ng kanyang pamilya [We are praying for her speedy recovery and for her family’s strength],” she said.

Aquino, widow of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., and heroine of the “People Power” revolt that toppled the dictator Ferdinand Marcos, was president from 1986 to 1992.

She has been considered one of Arroyo’s staunchest critics, having participated in several rallies against the incumbent.

In 2005, the former leader even led resignation calls against Arroyo following allegations that she cheated in the 2004 presidential elections.

Aquino renewed her call this year amid corruption allegations on a government telecommunications project where the President and her husband Jose Miguel Arroyo had been implicated.