MANILA - Bishop Teodoro Bacani was all praises for former president Corazon Aquino's leadership after a mass held Thursday for her recovery, but the bishop could not resist taking a jibe at the current administration.

Bacani, in an interview held after the ninth novena mass said Aquino never wanted to hold on to power indefinitely. “Hindi siya gahaman sa poder,” said Bacani.

The bishop said that President Arroyo should learn from the former president.

“Ah lessons to learn... lalo na ang kasalukuyang Pangulo, sana matuto siyang bumitiw pag oras na na bumitiw. 'Wag na siyang kakapit at pakita na gahaman siya sa kapangyarihan,” Bacani said.

Remain in power?

Bacani’s statement comes after Arroyo’s former aides who have become some of her staunchest critics, on Wednesday criticized the president’s alleged moves to remain in power.

Seven of the 10 former officials, now called Hyatt 10 because they announced their defection at the posh hotel on Roxas Boulevard, said Wednesday that under a state of emergency, Mrs. Arroyo might call off the elections in 2010 and stay in power indefinitely.

They claimed that the President has been busy scheming to perpetuate herself in power even if these were illegal or unconstitutional.

These include efforts of her House allies to amend the Constitution even without the participation of the Senate.

In what could be part of her plan to put the country under a state of emergency, Mrs. Arroyo – according to the former officials – is trying to secure the support of the military and police by appointing retired officials to her Cabinet and other offices.

The seven were former Education secretary Florencio Abad, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles, National Anti-Poverty Commission head Imelda Nicolas, Budget secretary Emilia Boncodin, Social Welfare and Development secretary Corazon Soliman and Agrarian Reform secretary Rene Villa.

The seven former officials met Wednesday to mark the fourth anniversary of their resignation with a Mass at the St. Jude church near Malacañang.

After the Mass, the seven marched to the Palace grounds and attempted to deliver a statement to the president but were stopped by the presidential guards.

The statement was titled “GMA’s Crime Against the Nation: From Survival to Perpetuation – At All Cost.”

No politics

Aquino spokesman Deedee Siytangco said however this is no time for politics, adding Mrs. Aquino's family is grateful for another mass for her healing that will be celebrated in Malacañang Friday.

“We appreciate that that it’s in a gesture of prayer. There's nothing political about it, I hope nobody will read anything political about it,” Siytangco said in an interview after Thursday’s mass.

The novena masses for the healing of the former president ended Thursday and it came with good news that her condition is beginning to improve.

Mrs. Aquino's nephew Rafa Lopa said the former president, who is battling colon cancer, is now able to eat.

Mrs. Aquino was brought to the Makati Medical Center about two weeks ago for loss of appetite and the build-up of fluid in her stomach.

Still, it is not clear when she will be allowed to go home.

“Auntie Cory is slowly recovering after she lost her appetite and became weak, due to the lack of essential nutrients. I learned from my cousins that she is now taking in small portions of food,” Lopa said.

“They continue to trust in God's infinite healing power and His divine will,” Lopa added.

The Catholic group El Shaddai will also hold a prayer worship for Mrs. Aquino, according to leader Bro. Mike Velarde.

Healing masses for the former president will continue until next week. With reports from Jing Castañeda, ABS-CBN News and The Philippine Star