In an emotional tribute, family members and friends gave Tuesday night their last respects to, and shared their fond memories of, the country’s first woman Chief Executive, President Corazon C. Aquino, who helped restore democracy through peaceful means, during a jampacked necrological service held at the Manila Cathedral.

“My mom fought a good fight. Siya ay mapagmahal at handang ipaglaban ang bayan, ‘’ said Sen. Benigno “Noynoy”Aquino III, who delivered the response in behalf of the Aquino family during the service.

The senator also thanked the thousands of people who lined up at the cathedral to visit the wake of his mother.

“Ang ganda ng pakiramdam dahil ang daming mga bata na nakikiramay sa amin, kasama ng kanilang mga magulang,’’ Senator Aquino said.

Jose Cojuangco Jr., brother of President Aquino, said that his sister was never interested in power, despite encouragement by some sectors to extend her term.

“She never entertained the thought of extending her term. When I asked her why, she said: ‘My responsibility is to restore democracy and I have done that,’’ Cojuangco said, who broke into tears at the end of his speech.

Cojuangco also said that his sister “was never undecided, always certain’’ in her decisions, especially those pertaining to government affairs.

One of the highlights of the service was the speech of Mel Mamaril, one of the close aides of President Aquino.

Mamaril served Mrs. Aquino for 23 years.

“She takes care of people around her, no matter how big or small. She treated us not as mere employees but just like a mother preparing food for a son after a hard day’s work,’’ Mamaril said.

He added: “One could always feel her compassionate heart for all those in need and in want. She also radiated a deep sense of prayer and devotion that, I believe, was the foundation of her being a person of integrity and uprightness.’’

At the end of his speech, Mamaril went near the casket of the former President and saluted her. The crowd applauded.

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay also paid tribute to Mrs. Aquino.

“Pangako namin sa iyo at ng ibang naglilingkod sa bayan, na hindi sayang ang iyong iniwang halimbawa,’’ Lim said.

“Never in my stewardship did Cory ask to grant her favors,’’ Mayor Belmonte said. Binay called President Aquino “a great moral leader.’’

Gina de Venecia, wife of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia, said that she could always count on the former President. “I could always count on Tita Cory for moral support. She valued her friends and showed me the importance of being there for the people you love and care for.’’

She said that she will never forget when Mrs. Aquino comforted her when her daughter KC was killed during a fire on December 16, 2004.

“Hatinggabi nang kami’y naghahanap ng aming tirahan. Kinabukasan, naroroon si Tita Cory sa labas ng aming silid – kasama ang kanyang mga anak upang makiramay sa amin. She was always there with her family, even on Christmas Day, which was the ninth day novena for KC.’’

Kris Aquino, youngest daughter of President Aquino, was most emotional among the Aquino children, as she listened to the service. She was also joined by husband James Yap, son baby James and sisters Ballsy, Pinky, and Viel.

Others who honored the former President were Bro. Armin Luistro, Margie Juico, Dr. Alex Ayco, Nonie Uy, Fulgencio Factoran Jr., Sister Remy, Paul Cabral, Ramon del Rosario, Conrado de Quiros, Maria Aurora Lichauco, Merceditas Tuason, Dr. Rosalinda Hortaleza, and Makati Rep. Teodoro Locsin Jr.

Song numbers were also rendered during the service. Those who performed were Rhap Salazar, who sang “You Raise Me Up;’’ Christian Bautista, “Ugoy ng Duyan;” Ivy Violan, “Hilumin;’’ Rachelle Ann Go, “Only Hope;’’ Jamie Rivera, “Heal Our Land;’’ and Kuh Ledesma, “Somewhere.’’

A mixture of personalities from politics, business and entertainment attended the necrological rites. After the service, a 30-minute public viewing and a holy mass followed.