Arroyo OKs construction of Cory monument – spokesman

GMANews.TV - Thursday, August 20
Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/gma/20090820/tph-arroyo-oks-construction-of-cory-monu-d6cd5cf.html




President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered the construction of a monument for former President Corazon Aquino in the capital city of Manila, a Palace spokesman said Thursday.

In a press briefing, deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said the monument would be erected at the Rizal Park, known to many as the Luneta.

"Press Secretary Cerge Remonde mentioned that there was an instruction (from) the President to push through with the idea of coming up with a monument," Golez said.

The monument is aimed at honoring Mrs. Aquino, whom Golez described as "an extraordinary woman."

The construction was based on the recommendation of the National Historic Institute, which will also oversee the project. It is expected to be completed within six months.

Mrs. Aquino, 76, died on Aug. 1 after a long battle with colon cancer. She was instrumental in the installation of Mrs. Arroyo in power during the 2001 EDSA revolution that ousted then President Joseph Estrada.

The two female leaders had a falling out in 2005, with Mrs. Aquino calling for President Arroyo’s resignation over allegations that she rigged the 2004 presidential elections.

Mrs. Arroyo maintains that she won “fair and square." In that election, she beat Fernando Poe Jr., the immensely popular Philippine action movie king who has never lost a fight in his popular movies.

Poe died of a massive stroke before Christmas of 2004, half a year after his defeat.