The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the former President of the Republic of the Philippines, Ms. Corazon Aquino. He extends his sincere condolences to the bereaved family of the late President and to the Government and people of the Philippines.

The Secretary-General pays tribute to the former President's exceptional courage and pivotal role in the restoration and consolidation of democracy in the Philippines.

Ms. Aquino will be remembered as a beacon of democracy not only in the Philippines but also around the world.