Former Philippine President Corazon Aquino, who sparked a wave of pro-democracy movements around the world by leading a 1986 "people power" revolt, has colon cancer, her daughter said Monday.
Aquino, 75, was swept into power by the peaceful uprising that ousted late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, cementing her as an icon of democracy.
She has remained active in social and political causes, most recently attending rallies calling for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
A former housewife and political neophyte, Aquino reluctantly took over as Marcos' main challenger after her husband, opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., was gunned down at Manila's airport upon returning from exile in 1983.
After a disputed 1986 election threw the victory to Marcos, Aquino was swept to power in a peaceful protest that became a harbinger of change in authoritarian regimes worldwide.
Aquino held office until 1992, surviving at least six coup attempts.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2004303954_wdig25.html
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