EDSA 20

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang is respecting the decision of Corazon Aquino’s family to hold a private wake and funeral. “We understand, respect and completely support the decision,” Secretary Gabriel Claudio, officer in charge of the Office of the Executive Secretary, said Saturday by phone.

Claudio said that contrary to a statement by a member of the family—an apparent reference to Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino Jr.—Malacañang had offered a state funeral for the former President.

He said Malacañang had sent Secretary Jake Lagonera, senior deputy executive secretary, to coordinate arrangements for the wake and funeral with the Aquino family early on Saturday morning.

Claudio said he had also raised the matter in a phone conversation with Aquino’s spokesperson Deedee Siytangco but that she indicated that the family preferred a private funeral.

“We were making Malacañang available,” he said.

Courtesies and honors

Claudio said the government was extending courtesies, including the deployment of “honor guards” to escort Aquino’s casket as well as policemen and soldiers to secure the wake and funeral.

“We’re on hand to extend all the state honors due the former President,” he said, later adding: “We want to make it clear that all facilities and services are on hand.”

Claudio said Gen. Victor Ibrado, the Armed Forces chief of staff, had also been coordinating with the family on the arrangements for military services for the former President.

At 8 a.m. Saturday, the Army, Air Force and Navy honored Aquino with a gun salute, according to Claudio.

All government offices nationwide have begun flying Philippine flags at half-staff, in accordance with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Proclamation No. 1850 declaring a 10-day period of national mourning.

Claudio has also instructed all personnel of government departments, agencies and offices to hold Masses and offer prayers for Aquino.

Malacañang is offering a Mass for Aquino Monday morning instead of the regular flag-raising ceremony, he said.