Farewell, Miriam

TAGGED as the “Iron Lady of Asia”, former Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who died at age 71 yesterday, was best remembered for her brilliance, humor and her dedication as a public servant.

Ver Bermudez, Davao editor of The Daily Tribune, said he first covered Santiago in 1991 when many Filipinos thought she could be the country's best president.

"She was a gentle dragon in my eyes. She shines bright when you need light, she gets tough when the going gets rough. I remember that when there's no cameras, Miriam was the typical Ilongga who would remind you of your mother's tenderly care. But when the cameras begin to roll, she instantly spews fire and no one gets into her way," Bermudez said.

Edith Regalado, a correspondent of The Philippine Star, said she admires the late senator whom she described as a very fine lady who spoke her mind out without being rude and scheming.

She recalled an instance in 1992 during the presidential campaign when she was running opposite Fidel V. Ramos, "It was in a room at the Apo View that we were all made to stand just because she was coming in. ‘I said to myself... ‘ang taray!' But I refused to stand up."

After that episode though, Regalado claimed

Santiago has her respect through the years.

Davao-based Rappler correspondent Edith Ging Z. Caduaya also shared her close encounter with the former lawmaker.

"The first time I met her, in the early 90's I asked her, why Ate you running for President? She laughed and said "because I am the only one with a brain and I am the only qualified," Caduaya said.

She went on saying that Santiago was a very honest news source as she talks the way she thinks, adding, "She is tough outside but a typical Ilonggga inside, a strong woman with a very soft heart."

Radyo ng Bayan Davao station manager Peng Aliño, for her part, said she covered the senator during her presidential battle with Ramos. "Ang bait-bait nya. Very thoughtful and witty talaga sya. Super dooper intelligent."

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey, a veteran journalist before going to public service, said, "She was a fiery senator. The country lost one brilliant lawmaker."

Lawyer Ramon Edison Batacan lauded Santiago, saying, "Her accomplishments are too many to remember, either as a jurist or legislator. She is true to her profession and a league above the rest."

Davao City Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta also said she will be missed, adding, "The good lady senator remains one of the more highly respected government officials of the land, and was a good source of sound bites for the media during her time."

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, who hails from Davao, said Santiago's memories will last as it is already carved in the history of the country and in every Filipino’s heart.

“The Iron Lady is gone but she had a well-ironed place in our history as a respected jurist, executive bureaucrat, legislator, international law expert, and, of late, a master par excellence in "hugot lines",” Zarate said.

Meanwhile, Regional Prosecutor Janet Grace Fabrero recalled