BAGUIO CITY – “Brilliance is forever”.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan said this is the most appropriate phrase that can best describe the late former Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago during a simple tribute held in last Monday’s flag-raising ceremonies at city hall.
The local chief executive made a word-play on the title of Santiago’s best-selling book of humor, “Stupid is forever”, that is reportedly much sought-after in light of the lady Senator’s passing due to a lingering illness.
In her remembrance of the multi-awarded leader, former councilor Lilia Yaranon said that Santiago was “the best President we could ever have had”.
In 1992, Yaranon ran for councilor under the then People’s Reform Party (PRP) with Domogan running for vice-mayor and Santiago as the party’s standard-bearer for the Presidency.
While Yaranon and Domogan were successful in their bids for elective offices, Santiago lost in a tight race to President Fidel Ramos. The late Senator came up short once again in her Presidential bid in this year’s elections.
Yaranon said that despite losing in 1992, the Senator continued to fight corruption and speak before university students on civic duties and importance of academics. Santiago also encouraged the younger generation to make responsible choices and be responsible citizens, she added.
The former councilor revealed that Santiago, who was a judge before becoming a Senator, was also known as the “Iron Lady of Asia” since she ordered the arrest and deportation of international criminal syndicates like the Yakuza making it known that she was not afraid of their threats.
“Miriam was a tough act to follow, a no-nonsense Senator – brilliant, uncompromising, unwavering. Santiago once said that if she becomes President, she would run the country like a strict mother who instills discipline, civic responsibility and love of country,” Yaranon said.**gaby keith
