He’s Senator Santiago’s best man, President Aquino confirms

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III confirmed on Thursday he will be the best man at the renewal of the marriage vows between Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Narciso Santiago at the Manila Cathedral on June 19.

His spokesperson Edwin Lacierda relayed to reporters the confirmation of the President, who is in Thailand for a two-day state visit ending today (Friday).

Santiago and her husband will be celebrating their 40th year of marriage.

The President will be partnered with actress Heart Evangelista, who will be the senator’s maid of honor.

Santiago had earlier said that she asked President Aquino to be the best man in the wedding “to honor the memory” of the latter’s father, the late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., with whom they had a deep affinity.

The elder Aquino had stood as a principal sponsor at the Santiagos’ 1971 wedding, a picture of which is included in the official wedding invitation of the couple.