MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago's public speeches instantly attract the public's attention because of the articulate, stinging and feisty remarks that come with it.
RELATED: Get your dose of Miriam Defensor-Santiago quotes
People are constantly inspired with the way she expresses her thoughts and opinions, making her one of the most buzzworthy and prominent senators of her time. If you are looking for quotes to live by with a vehement and gut-wrenching twist, it is just fitting to learn from the master. Here are some words as defined by the senator.
CABINET
After the President announced a program of measures to improve Cabinet performance and cut costs, most of which had been proposed earlier by Miriam:
The Cabinet is afflicted with a dreaded disease. It is known as logorrhea, or incoherent talking.
DEATH THREATS
To a journalist’s question: “What is your reaction to the many death threats received by your office?”
I eat death threats for breakfast!
ENEMIES
Before a joint meeting of Jaycees Clubs, referring to paid members of PR firms carrying out the media blitz against her:
Miserable little intellectual amoeba!
EMPLOYEES
After scolding a few employees who declared their intention to have her removed from the Commission of Immigration and Deportation (CID):
They were not only rebellious, they were malicious to boot. Naturally I got mad, but I restrained myself. No, I did not throw a chair at my employees. (Laughing) The accurate statement is that I may have rearranged the furniture.
FIGHTING GRAFT
After she was asked for the best way to fight graft:
Head-bashing is the best strategy. Sometimes I have to splatter their brains on the pavement.
MANAGEMENT
After winning the Magsaysay Award for government service:
My management style? Spiritual fortitude, intellectual scholarship, and, (smiling) if all else fails, physical violence might prove salutary.
POLITICS
In 1988 at a CID press conference, when asked for the first time if she planned to run for president:
Entering politics is a fate worse than death.
PRESIDENCY
In a 1989 magazine interview:
Barring public demand, any person who pursues the presidency out of personal ambition must be suffering from a basic genetic defect.
RETIREMENT
Discussing with the press her hopes to retire early:
I do not have any strong desire to remain in government. When my task is done, I shall be happy to leave and enhance my love life with my husband.