MANILA -- Cancer-stricken former Filipino President Corazon Aquino has been admitted to a hospital in serious condition, her spokeswoman said Wednesday.

The 76-year-old democracy icon was admitted to the intensive care unit last week after she stopped eating, spokeswoman Deedee Sytangco told The Associated Press.

Aquino, who has been fighting stage-four colon cancer, was receiving nourishment in the hospital, Sytangco said.

The former leader was "not very well," but was not in pain and had not been placed on life support, she said.

Aquino was diagnosed with the disease last year. She had been undergoing chemotherapy, but was no longer receiving treatment, Sytangco said.

"We hope that people will support her and pray for her," Sytangco said.

Members of her former Cabinet and other supporters gathered Wednesday in a church near the hospital in Manila's financial district of Makati where Aquino was admitted to offer prayers for her recovery. (AP)