Ilonggos mourn Miriam's death
Ilonggos in Iloilo have mourned the loss of one of their celebrated political leaders, former senator Miriam Defensor Santiago who died at the age of 71 last September 29, after battling lung cancer.
In a statement, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr., Miriam's cousin, expressed that the rest of his family "join in mourning and share the grief of the family in the passing of Miriam."
The governor said Miriam's bravery in fighting graft and corruption is what made her stood out. He also extolled Miriam's courage in fighting those involved in political fraud and those who milked the government's coffers.
"The Filipino people will never forget her relentless fight against graft and corruption. Her wisdom as a constitutional and legal expert; her beliefs and principles– she will never be forgotten. Monument will be embedded in the hearts of all Filipinos," Defensor Sr said, adding that all Ilonggos are proud of her.
The governor's son, Representative Arthur Defensor Jr. (3rd district, Iloilo), said his aunt Miriam left behind a legacy that the public should look for leaders, senators, legislators with that caliber. He was also proud of his aunt's intelligence and courage.
Mayor Jett Rojas, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines Iloi lo chapter, said Miriam' s death is a big loss for Iloilo. He said he stood as Miriam's local leader when she ran for president in 1992.
Known Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon regarded Miriam's death as one of the saddest days in the history of our country. "It is with an extreme sense of loss and grief that I join the entire country in mourning the passing of my close friend and colleague, former senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, whose unique brilliance, wit and charm endeared herself to each and very Filipino from all generations and from all walks of life."
Drilon, in a statement, condoled with Miriam's husband Jun and her loved ones. He recalled that he and Miriam were classmates in their undergraduate studies in the University of the Philippines-Iloilo College and the UP College of Law, from 1961 to 1969, except for one year.
"She was my editor in the Philippine Collegian and then, she appointed me as her associate editor. We would work on the Philippine Collegian every Wednesday evening. I would pick her up from the dorm at 9 p.m. and work on the paper overnight," Drilon said.
Drilon further declared: "There is no senator, past or present, who can match Senator Santiago's uncommon brilliance and fiery dedication to her principles and beliefs. She was an intellectual giant and a legal luminary whose wit and words benefited this nation and its people so many times over."
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, shortly after receiving the report of Miriam's passing, issued Executive Order 42, declaring September 29, 2016 as a day of mourning and ordering the flying of the flag at half-staff all around Iloilo City. —