Hours before former President Cory Aquino's remains were moved to La Salle Greenhills in Mandaluyong City on Saturday, hundreds of individuals started lining up in front of the school gate to see the icon of democracy for the last time and to pay their final respects.

As early as 1 p.m., Aquino's supporters, lined up at Gate 5 of the La Salle Greenhills to pay their last respects to the former president, despite nonstop rain on Saturday.

At exactly 5:20 p.m., the security personnel at the gate, designated the area for the public.

Senator Noynoy Aquino, the late president’s son, announced in the morning that public viewing of the remains would start at 5 p.m.

However, according to security personnel, they will first ensure that the viewing would be organized for the public’s safety.

As soon as the guards opened the gate, hundreds of supporters shouted "Cory! Cory!" and sang "Bayan ko," the hymn associated with protesters during EDSA 1, the military-backed People Revolution that catapulted Mrs. Aquino to the presidency.

Two lines – separating men and women – were organized at the gate while wheel chairs have been provided the elderly.

Because of the strong winds, some individuals were drenched by the rains as they entered Gate 5.

Clara Taguba, among the first batch who went inside the La Salle Gym, said she traveled all the way from Isabela province to pay her last respect to the late leader.

"I came all the way from Isabela for several hours just to see Aquino's remains. Mahal ko ang dating presidente. Mabuti nandito na ako ng 1 p.m.," said Taguba, a senior citizen.

Jelma Miranda, 62, a native of Iloilo, said that upon hearing Mrs. Aquino's demise, she rushed to La Salle to see her remains. She said Mrs. Aquino is very dear to her as she has been her avid supporter.

Paying tribute to the late leader, Chief Justice Reynato Puno yesterday said the “Filipino people suffered a tragedy of immense proportions with the demise of former President Cory Aquino.”

“A true servant leader, President Aquino enjoyed the unwavering admiration and loyalty of the people throughout the years of her life. Her legacy will forever be etched in our hearts and minds as long as we yearn for freedom, Puno said.

He added that the judiciary owes the restoration of its independence to Mrs. Aquino, stressing that “we should always keep that light burning.

We may have lost our leader but we have gained from her the spirit of courage and hope, that will continue till time will be no more.”

For his part, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim said the nation agonizes and a part of the nation died with Mrs. Aquino “because she's the epitome of righteousness, that is to do what is right and eliminate what is wrong. What she had been always thinking was for the highest interest and welfare of the country and the Filipino people.”

The death of former President Aquino is a personal loss to me, said former Senate President and Liberal Party National Chairman Franklin Drilon.

Whatever I have learned about good governance, I have learned by watching her closely during her days in Malacañang and during her post-presidency days as Citizen Cory, Drilon said.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces said full military honors will be given to Mrs. Aquino, as it expressed its condolences for the passing for their former Commander-in-Chief.

In a statement, AFP public affairs chief, Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said, "the AFP expressed its condolences with the family of former President Corazon Aquino and the entire nation."

"We will provide full military honors befitting a former President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief. This includes the firing of volleys starting at 8 a.m. on Sunday, military vigil during the entire wake, flags on half mast in all camps and the offering of mass in all military churches," Brawner said.

Also on Saturday, Muslims expressed grief over the demise of the late president and joined the nation in mourning the icon of democracy.

The Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy recalled that it was during Mrs. Aquino's regime that the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was established, giving Muslim Filipinos a voice and direct hand in working for the uplift of their life.

Joining the nation in mourning for the departed first Philippine woman President, PCID headed by Amina Rasul-Bernardo, noted that Aquino died on the same date she signed into law the ARMM Organic Law. (With reports by Rey Panaligan, Elena Aben and Edd Usman)