‘Miriam Santiago was without equal’

Former president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Thursday expressed his sympathies on the passing of former Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, whom he said “most inspired” his admiration among senators.

Santiago passed away on Thursday morning after battling lung cancer for two years. She was 71.

READ: Miriam Defensor-Santiago passes away at 71

Estrada remembered Santiago as an “outstanding lawmaker” whose work made the Senate “one of the most trusted institutions in our country.”

In this June 20, 2011 file photo, former president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada congratulates then senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on the renewal of her marital vows with husband Narciso Santiago on their 40th wedding anniversary. Looking on in a terno gown is former first lady Imelda Marcos. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ MARIANNE V. BERMUDEZ)

“On the senate floor, she was without equal: her opinions, insights, speeches and interpellations spoke volumes of her brilliance and knowledge of the law and of the constitution,” Estrada said in a statement.

READ: Roxas describes Miriam as ‘sui generis’

“We should all remember her legacy to our nation: the courage to speak the truth, and the willingness to sacrifice in order to do right by our fellow man,” he added.

But outside the political arena, Estrada described Santiago as “humorous, very witty, and easy to get along with” in the company of family and friends.

“Matulungin si Miriam – marami ang hindi nakaka-alam nito dahil hindi naman niya pinagsasabi pa (Miriam was helpful, many did not know this because she did not publicize it),” he said. “At mahal niya ang kanyang pamilya (And she loves her family): they were her real source of inspiration and strength.” IDL/rga