The mood in the room where former President Corazon Aquino has been confined since last June 25 at the Makati Medical Center has become less somber as the former leader's health condition has stabilized.

This, according to Sen. Mar Roxas, who arrived at the hospital accompanied by Quezon Province Gov. Rafael Nantes at 9:30 pm Thursday to provide moral support for Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.

Roxas said the Aquino family was seemingly more at ease when he visited the former president on the 9th floor of the hospital Thursday after doctors were able to treat her fluctuating blood pressure.

"Nandito ako to provide moral support, samahan siya, makipagkwentuhan para naman malibang siya. (I am here to provide moral support. Keep her company," Roxas said.

He said that his friend, Sen. Nonoy Aquino, was in "high spirit." "Nandun ang magkakapatid, nagkwentuhan kami tungkol sa iba't ibang bagay, maski nga tungkol sa ice cream."

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Thursday said it is one with the Filipino people not only in praying for the cancer-stricken former president but also in thanking the latter for restoring freedom and democracy in the country.

“We join the Filipino people in thanking her for the freedom and democracy that she helped bring back to the country in 1986,” CBCP president Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said in a letter to Cory’s son, Noynoy.

“The country will forever be grateful for the sacrifices she and her husband, Ninoy, have offered in response to the dream and challenge that our country is worth dying for,” he added.

The Jaro, Iloilo prelate assured the Aquino family of the bishops’ continued prayers as she battles colon cancer.

“I wish to assure you that we are continuing to remember her in our prayers, together with the people of the Philippines,” said Lagdameo.

Last July 13, the Catholic Bishops of the Philippines (CBCP)so offered a mass for her recovery during
the 99th Plenary Assembly at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center on UNAve., Paco, Manila. “Together we pray for her, God’s will be done,” Lagdameo said.

Last Wednesday, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) asked its member-schools to pray and offer masses for the country’s former leader.

Aside from offering prayers and masses, the CEAP also asked its members to tie yellow ribbons, wear yellow bands and shirts, and hang streamers to show their support and love for Mrs. Aquino.