29 Sep President Rodrigo Duterte Mourn Death of Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago
On September 29, Thursday at 8:52 a.m., former senator Miriam Defensor Santiago died at the age of 71. Atty. Jun Santiago, her husband said, “She died peacefully in her sleep this morning.”
The former lawmaker disclosed on 2014 that she was suffering from stage 4 lung cancer. She was brought to St. Luke’s for cancer treatment earlier this month yet she succumbed to cancer.
President Rodrigo Duterte mourned over the death of Sen. Santiago, saying that she would be remembered as an advocate of rule of law.
The President said in a statement, “Senator Santiago has left a sterling career in public office. She is best remembered as a graft buster ‘eating death threats for breakfast,’ earning her the (tag) Iron Lady of Asia.”
He added, “Rest in peace, Madam Senator. May your legacy continue to guide this nation for many years to come.”
Malacañang called the former lawmaker as a “shining light in Philippine political annals for her sharp legal mind uncompromising stand and acid humor.”
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella stated in a press conference,”She (Santiago) had a profound influence on millennials and the youth, constantly challenging preconceived notions both political and social.”
Abella added, “Her passing also signals the passing of an era of politicians with wide-ranging intelligence and courage to express their true conviction.”
During the 2016 presidential elections, Santiago was one of Duterte’s rival but the two did not argue during the campaign period. In fact, Duterte even commended Santiago during one of the presidential debates.
Duterte, known for his tough-talking chose to praise Santiago instead of asking her a question during the debate in Pangasinan last April 24. As he spoke, “I am facing a woman who could become the president of this country.”
He added, “What can I ask of you? Is it an insult to ask a question of such a learned woman? My question ma’am is how are you today?”
Santiago replied with a smile saying she was “almost back to normal good health” because of a “secret pill” that is not yet available to the market.
She stated “(The pill) is being sold at atrociously expensive prices. It’s a miracle worker in a sense that I am almost normal now.”
“Oh come on, you’ll live for a thousand years. No doubt about it. I rest my case,” Duterte replied.
News Source: PhilStar
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