COURTESY CALL: Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (6th from right), Senator Cynthia Villar (4th from right) and Senator Risa Hontiveros (3rd from right) pose for a souvenir photo with members of parliament of the European Parliamentary Forum (EFP) during a courtesy call at the Senate, Tuesday, August 23. Accompanied by representatives of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc., (PLCPD) in the Senate, the delegation is in Manila on a study tour. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Wednesday condoled with the family and friends of former Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago who passed away earlier in the morning.
At a press briefing, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Santiago was a shining light in Philippine politics.
“She was shining light in Philippine political annals for her sharp legal mind, uncompromising stand, and acid humor. She had a profound influence on millennials and the youth, constantly challenging preconceived notions both political and social,” Abella said.
“Her passing also signals passing of era of politicians with wide ranging intelligence and courage to express their true conviction,” he added.
According to Santiago’s family, the senator died in her sleep at 8:52 a.m. while confined at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City.
It was in 2014 when the former lawmaker said that she had stage