MANILA, Philippines -- The woman whom former President Corazon Aquino recently blasted for “shamelessly abusing” her authority has joined the country in praying for the recovery of the country’s democratic icon.

Malacañang said on Thursday that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was “forgiving” in the light of Aquino’s vocal criticisms, most recent of which was on Arroyo's alleged hand in moves by her allies in the House of Representatives to amend the Constitution.

Anthony Golez, deputy presidential spokesperson, opened his media briefing in a Manila restaurant by requesting for a moment of silence for Aquino, who remained in serious condition at the Makati Medical Center. Aquino has colon cancer.

“We will constantly be in prayer for her speedy recovery and we will also pray for strength and faith for the family of the former president, especially in their trying times,” he told reporters.
Golez said it did not matter if Aquino was a constant critic of Arroyo.

“The President is very forgiving,” he said. “We cannot say that the President is insensitive. (She) is in prayer.”

Just last month, the cancer-stricken Aquino sent a strongly worded message read by her grandson before thousands of protesters in a mammoth anti-Charter change rally in Makati.

“Here we are again in the midst of the shameful abuses of the powerful that seek to destroy our sacred laws,” Aquino said in Filipino.

“There is nothing that causes me greater pain than to see our people betrayed again and again by those they have elected to lead and serve them. To those of us who fought long and hard to restore our democracy, the pain deepens at the thought that all our gains have so quickly been eroded.”

Protesters were convinced that the administration’s allies at the House of Representatives did not push for Resolution No. 1109 without the blessings of Arroyo.

The measure seeks to overhaul the Constitution without the participation of the Senate.
Asked if Arroyo had let Aquino remarks get to her, Golez said: “That specific, I don’t know. But in a general sense, the President is very forgiving.”