Senators grieve over death of former Senator Santiago

File Photo of Former Sen. Miriam Defensor - Santiago

By Rita Salonga

MANILA - The Senate was filled with grief with news of former Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s passing away early Thursday morning.

For Senator Panfilo Lacson, though their relationship was rocky during the 15^th and 16^th Congress, the former Rehabilitation Czar has nothing but respect and admiration to the Philippines’ “Iron lady.”
Senate President Protempore Franklin Drilon meanwhile said that he was sadden with the death of the former Senator.  Drilon referred to Senator Miriam as one of his close friends and a brilliant Senator.
Drilon and Santiago were classmates at the University of the Philippines and was his editor in the Philippine Collegian.

Former Senator Juan Ponce-Enrile offered prayers for the eternal repose of Santiago, who has been his constant critic in the Senate.

Senator Bongbong Marcos said that Santiago was his mentors in the Senate.

The former Senator died in her sleep at the age of 71.  She has been battling with stage 4 Lung Cancer since 2014, but was still able to run for the Presidency in this year’s national elections.