MANILA, Philippines?Former President Joseph Estrada visited ailing democracy icon Corazon Aquino at the Makati Medical Center about 8 p.m. Tuesday.

In a telephone interview, Estrada said he was met by Aquino?s children, Senator Benigno ?Noynoy? Aquino III and Kris.

"I was not able to see her. I would have wanted to tell her she was well-loved by poor Filipinos," Estrada said.

He said he stayed at the hospital for about 15 minutes.

Estrada was accompanied by former Finance Secretary Jose Pardo.

Estrada said residents of Smokey Mountain and Payatas have asked him to also hold masses for Tita Cory in their communities.

Last Sunday, Estrada hosted a healing Mass for Aquino at the Sto. Nino Parish Church in Tondo, Manila.