MANILA, Philippines—Former Senator Sergio Osmena III dropped by the Makati Medical Center Thursday noon, not to visit former President Corazon Aquino, but to hear mass to pray for her immediate recovery.

Osmena said he attended the 12 p.m. mass inside the hospital because it was "more private and closer" to Aquino, whose condition remains unknown at this time.

"We're praying hard for Tita Cory. Let's all pray that God will take away any pain," Osmena told reporters waiting outside the hospital.

He said he did not visit Aquino because he understood her condition and he sympathized with the former president.

"I sympathize with her. I want to ask her 'How are you?' But she knows," Osmena said.