Manila  - Yellow ribbons were tied Saturday on street lamps, trees, fences and buildings in Manila to honour the ailing Philippine democracy icon and former president Corazon Aquino.

Aquino - who led the bloodless 1986 People Power revolution, which toppled dictator Ferdinand Marcos - has been battling colon cancer for more than a year and was under heavy sedation in a hospital in metropolitan Manila's Makati City.

On Friday, the public was jarred by text messages that the 76-year-old leader had died. The British embassy even sent a message of condolence to Aquino's family. The embassy quickly issued an apology.

An Aquino family spokesman said Cory, as she is fondly called by the people, remained in stable condition.

Yellow was Aquino's symbol in her fight against Marcos, and ribbons in that shade were also seen tied to cars, trucks, tricycles, bicycles and push carts.

Masses have been held every day in some churches around the country to pray for the recovery of Aquino, who was hospitalized in late June after her health deteriorated.

She was diagnosed with colon cancer in March 2008. (dpa)