TAGGED as the "Iron Lady of Asia," former Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who died at age 71 on Thursday, September 28, 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 admired 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 against Fidel 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 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.
Caduaya said 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 siya. Super dooper intelligent," Aliño said.
Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner Charles Raymond 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 Representative 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.
Regional Prosecutor Janet Grace Fabrero recalled Santiago’s outstanding leadership in various offices in the government having rendered sincere public service.
"It is a great loss for the Philippines. She is one of the great minds with unparalleled wisdom having served in the three branches of the government. As a regional trial court (RTC) judge, Bureau of Immigration (BID) commissioner and a senator," Fabrero said.
Lawyer Jong Guevarra Jr., for his part, said, "Brilliant and eloquent. One of the best presidents we never had."
Santiago succumbed to a late-stage lung cancer at 8:52 a.m., Thursday, September 29. She passed away while confined at the St. Luke's Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City.
In 2014, the former senator announced that she has a stage 4 lung cancer, which brought apprehension to her supporters and political allies.
Nevertheless, even her cancer feared her as it was regressed in a series of medical treatments in previous years.
Her staunch Davao supporter Ralph Lawrence Llemit said that it shattered his heart after hearing the unfortunate news.
“She could’ve been a more than perfect image of how a president should be brave, honest, knowledgable and most of all, the one who has the heart for public service,” Llemit said.
Amidst her age and health condition, Sen. Miriam chose to stand up for the Filipino, especially for the welfare of the youth, where she was known to be steadfast in defending their rights.
Despite Santiago’s loss in the May election, Llemit said that it was evident that she had won the hearts of million Filipinos.
In her four decades as a public servant, he said that it should serve as a challenge and inspiration for everyone.
“I could remember one of her quotes during a public forum, she said that “Do not be like me. Be better than me.” We may have lost her physically, but her legacy will carry on throughout the next generation,” he said.
Lawyer Ceasar Europa of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines governor of Eastern Mindanao Region, said that Santiago’s colorful brand of advocacy will be certainly missed.
“With the death of Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, we lost a fiery bastion of the rule of law and a staunch defender of constitutional rights. May her life serve as a shining example of the strength and excellence of Filipino women leaders,” Europa said.
The palace, meanwhile, commemorated the fearless moves of Santiago that made her unique among other mainstream politicians.
"Senator Santiago has left a sterling career in public office. She is best remembered as a graft buster 'eating death threats for breakfast' earning her the Iron Lady of Asia," the statement said.
The place recognized her as an advocate for the rule of law and further affirmed that her legacy will continue to guide the nation for more years to come.
Presidential son Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, who met Santiago during a presidential debate, posted on his Facebook that she was a brilliant leader in the country.
"Once upon a time, in the land of Iloilo, a great public servant rose to serve her nation. She became one of the most admirable, most brilliant and one of the toughest public officials in her lifetime," Duterte said.
Santiago is best known for the unique brand of charismatic leadership that media likes to call "Miriam Magic." (With ASP and KVC)