A KNOWN nemesis of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago in the Senate, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, said he would pray for his colleague's soul.
Santiago, 71, died on Thursday after a two-year battle with lung cancer, according to her husband, Narciso Santiago.
Enrile said what transpired between the two of them is already a thing of the past and just part of history.
"I will pray for Miriam that her soul may rest in Peace. I will say my silent prayers for her," Enrile said.
Describing Santiago as a very articulate person, Enrile said the exchange of tirades between them are just part of their being cerebral rivals at the chamber as he maintained that he will pay his last respects to his former colleague in the Senate.
Enrile admitted that he was saddened upon hearing of the passing of Santiago who happened to be his godchild during her wedding.
"As Filipinos, usually we consider the sponsor or the Ninong and Ninang as our second parents. I think it is normal in life that sometimes we have disagreements with other people but I don't maintain ill feelings against anyone. As a Christian, we have to pray for those who die. We will all go there at the right time. All of us and whatever falling out that we may have had in the past, had already been forgotten," Enrile said.
Enrile confirmed that he usually stays in his province in Cagayan Valley but should there be a necrological service in the Senate, he will find time to attend and pay his last respect.
Both Enrile and Santiago had some misunderstanding in 2013 when the late senator together with Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and his sister, Senator Pia Cayetano, did not receive the same Christmas incentives given to other 18 senators amounting to P1.6 million each.
Irked, Santiago then questioned Enrile, the former Senate President, for unfair treatment and unequal distribution of additional funds, particularly for the maintenance and other operating expense (MOOE). Santiago and other three senators received only P250,000.
The word war between Santiago and Enrile led the lady senator to deliver a privilege speech and called Enrile names, even revealed the alleged girlfriend of Enrile and his being womanizer, including his alleged connection to smuggling, gambling activities, calling him as a criminal, liar and mastermind of all pork barrel scam.
In return, Enrile said the attack of Santiago only confirmed "there was something wrong with her mental health."
Enrile said whatever transpired between them is already forgotten.
"Forget that part of history. We need to honor Senator Santiago for her contribution to this country," Enrile said.
Santiago is being considered one of the top legal luminaries in the country and has earned a reputation of being one of the best legislator in the Senate whose bills and resolution usually pertains to helping the poor and the youth and promoting honesty in government service. (Sunnex)