MANILA - President Gloria Arroyo on Saturday declared a 10-day national mourning period for former leader Corazon Aquino, who died after a battle with colon cancer.

Arroyo, in the United States on an official trip, praised Aquino for restoring "democracy and rule of law to our nation at a time of great peril."

"The nation will mourn her passing," Arroyo said in a statement. "I am announcing that we will officially observe a 10-day period of national mourning. Our hearts go to the family in this hour of grief and sorrow."

Aquino became president of a transitional government in 1986 after a bloodless "People Power" revolt toppled dictator Ferdinand Marcos's 20-year regime. She framed a new constitution, overhauled the electoral process and opened peace talks with insurgent groups.

In retirement, she was a vocal critic of corruption in government and until she was diagnosed with cancer in March last year, led street protests against Arroyo.

She had repeatedly called for the resignation of Arroyo, once a protege, whose nine-year presidency has been marked by massive corruption and allegations she has enriched her family using her office.

Former Aquino aide and press secretary Teodoro Locsin, who is also a close family friend, openly wept on television.

"The purity, the nobility, never failed. She never asked for anything," in return, Locsin said.

He said more than anything else, Aquino removed the "centre of corruption in government, because she would not be corrupt."

In the capital Manila, people attended vigils and lit candles as churches held requiem masses.

--AFP