Clinton: Cory Aquino was admired for her extraordinary courage

Clinton: Cory Aquino was admired for her extraordinary courage Washington  - Cory Aquino was loved by her people and admired for her courage the world over, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said late Friday in Washington.

Philippine democracy icon and former president Corazon "Cory" Aquino died early Saturday Manila time after battling colon cancer for more than a year, her family said. She was 76.

Extending her condolences, Clinton said: "Cory Aquino was beloved by her nation and admired by the world for her extraordinary courage after the assassination of her husband, and later, during her service as president.

"She helped bring democracy back to the Philippines after many years of authoritarian rule with a faith in her country and its people that never wavered."

Clinton said that she and her husband, former US president Bill Clinton "were inspired by her quiet strength and her unshakable commitment to justice and freedom."

Aquino was catapulted into politics by the assassination of her husband, opposition senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, on August 21, 1983, which sparked unprecendented protests against then-dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

In February 1986, Aquino led millions of Filipinos in a four-day "people power" revolt that forced Marcos and his family to flee into exile to Hawaii. She served as the Philippines' president until 1992. (dpa)