Cover image via Heart Evangelista-Escudero
Heart Evangelista-Escudero
For years since they became very close friends, celebrity painter Heart Evangelista has received motherly love from the late Senator and was treated as her own. Evangelista's photos with Santiago surpassed what words could only encompass "familial love".
Former Senator Bongbong Marcos
The former Senator Bongbong Marcos, who was Santiago's running mate, tearfully recollected his memories of his colleague and friend whom he said has taught him a lot.
Former Senator Bongbong Marcos tearfully recalls his relationship with Sen. Santiago. pic.twitter.com/AaMe6zMc99
— April Rafales (@aprilrafales) September 29, 2016
Image via Abante
Pia Wurtzbach
During the question-and-answer portion of the Miss Universe 2015 pageantry, Pia Wurtzbach was asked, "Do you think the US should have a military base in the country?" And her answer was, "I think that the US and the Philippines have a good relationship with each other. We've been colonized by the Americans and we have their culture. Philippines is very welcoming with the Americans and I don't see any problem with that at all."
After Wurtzbach won the Miss Universe 2015 title, the late Senator sent a congratulatory tweet along with a hint: "**Congratulations (Pia Wurtzbach). You are regal. But from what I heard, we need to talk. See you!**"
The Iron Lady of Asia has been suspicious about the effectiveness and capability of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) which is a nonconstituted treaty that grants the United States generous access to country's military camps.
The late Senator maintained her regard about the international agreement unless concurred by at least two-thirds of all the members of the Senate. According to her, senate concurrence is requisite part for this "special kind of treaty" by the Constitution, Article 18, Section 25:
".… foreign military bases, troops, or facilities shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate.… and recognized as a treaty by the other contracting State."
Until now, the Supreme Court (SC) has not decided on these questions regarding EDCA.
Former Vice President Jejomar Binay
Former Vice President Jejomar Binay was the late Senator's competition in the presidential elections. "**Those of us who have known her since college will remember Miriam as a caring and sincere woman whose discipline and intellect made her one of the nation's greatest leaders.**"
Here's the full statement of Binay:
Image via Inquirer
Representative Pia Cayetano
Rep. Pia Cayetano described Santiago as a loving and considerate mentor.
Image via Pia Cayetano
President pro tempore Franklin Drilon
Drilon was the late Senator Santiago's classmate at the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Law. Drilon was also Santiago's associate editor when she was the editor-in-chief of the *Philippine Collegian*.
Drilon told the [press] (http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/09/30/1628884/iloilo-declares-day-mourning-miriam) that no other senator could match Santiago's "uncommon brilliance and fiery dedication to her principles and beliefs."
Image via Senate of the Philippines
Vice President Leni Robredo
Robredo posted this statement on her [website] (https://lenirobredo.com/vp-leni-robredos-statement-on-the-death-of-former-senator-miriam-defensor-santiago/) bidding the Senator farewell:
"We join the nation today as we mourn the passing of former Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. We thank her and her family for her long career in public service. **May her life serve as inspiration and example to women, the youth and to all our fellow Filipinos**. May she rest in peace."
President Rodrigo Duterte
The President has had his memorable moments with the late Senator, especially when she praised the former Davao City mayor for his excellent city governance. "Nobody has done very much against graft and corruption except Mayor Rody Duterte," said the late Senator Santiago during a presidential debate. The Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) in Davao city was the first in the Philippines.
"**Senator Santiago has left a sterling career in public office. She is best remembered as a graft buster eating death threats for breakfast. Rest in peace, Madam Senator. May your legacy continue to guide this nation for many years to come**," said the President to the press.
Image via Inquirer
Narcisco Santiago Jr.
Her husband of 46 years, former Customs Deputy Commissioner Narcisco Santiago Jr., said that she died at 8:52 a.m. on 29 September.
"**She died peacefully in her sleep. That is all I want to remember**," Narciso said to [Manila Standard] (http://thestandard.com.ph).
Image via WikiNut
