News Commentary

Remembering Miriam through her words

Levi A. So - Philstar.com

September 29, 2016 | 2:30pm

METRO MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago passed away Thursday morning after years of battling lung cancer. She was 71.

Santiago was so known for her fiery speeches and sharp quips that the word "feisty" was a favorite adjective that journalists used to describe her.

Throughout her career, she had earned many monikers.

She was called Asia's "Iron Lady" for her incessant and effective fight against corruption that even got international attention.

She was called a "Fighting Judge" during her stint at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court in 1983, when she became the youngest presiding judge. Inside her court room, this rule governed: "No bribes or extortion."

In 1988, Santiago won a Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service, the Asian equivalent of the Nobel prize.

Her stature and vocabulary were intimidating. She once tagged as "discombobulated moral retardates" Agrarian Reform department employees who contested reforms she implemented as the agency's chief.

Yet the senator could also expertly communicate to the popular audience.

Miriam Santiago: A long career of firsts, among the fiercest https://t.co/D9SP7CdCTq pic.twitter.com/9SfsmqfHLn
— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) September 29, 2016

She was known for her acid humor and pick-up lines, publishing two books — "Stupid is Forever" and "Stupid is Forevermore" — that showcased her brand of humor.

In an interview after news of Santiago's death broke, Sen. Grace Poe described her as "always relevant." Santiago had a considerable following among the youth.

Santiago topped mock polls held in different universities, despite her poor performance in Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations surveys last elections.

She ran thrice for president but lost each time. Despite suffering from late-stage lung cancer, the senator said during her third try that she would never quit from the race.

"I have said it before, and I will say it again: I will never quit. I will never stop. I will never withdraw. I owe it to the Filipino people who believe in my leadership and who yearn for long-overdue reforms."

That she was articulate and charismatic was undeniable. Here are some words from the senator:

I intend to run the country like a strict mother. Must emphasize discipline. Must emphasize civic spirit na kung anong ginagawa mo, may kaugnay 'yan sa mangyayari din hindi lamang sa iyo, kundi sa iyong kapitbahay rin. A sense of shared destiny is what I would like to infuse in the Flipino electorate; na iisa tayo.

I eat death threats for breakfast.

I went to see a pulmonologist and then she said, 'I'm sorry but you have cancer,' and I said 'Yes!' Because I wanted a challenge in my life.

Handbags. I don't at all like them because they occupy my hands. My hands always have to be ready in case I need to slap somebody.

Sir, I remind you that as the Commissioner of Immigration and Deportation, I represent the majesty of the Republic of the Philippines. You have the obligation to show respect and courtesy to me. Now shut up or I'll knock your teeth off!

Ang love, parang bayad sa dyip. Minsan lang nasusuklian.

Anong tawag kapag nagtapon ka ng basura sa dagat? Sagot: Pollution. Ano naman ang tawag kapag tinapon mo sa dagat ang mga politikong kurakot? Sagot: Solution.