Vice President Leni Robredo and other high officials visited Miriam’s wake.
Vice President Leni Robredo, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales and several government officials pay their last respects to Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Friday.
The past and present officials who paid honors and tribute to Santiago flocked to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Grottos after the remains of the senator arrived on Thursday night.
On Friday, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales joined the residents and fans who remembered the so-called Lady Iron Fist of Asia.
Robredo, on the other hand, arrived past 5 p.m. on Friday and stayed for about half an hour.
She did not issue a message through the media during her visit, but prior her visit, she extended her condolences to the family and expressed hope that Santiago’s life would inspire women, the youth, and all Filipinos.
Some current government officials who also pay their respects were Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, Justice Sec. Vitaliano Aguirre, and Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Acosta. They all praised Santiago for her stellar career in public service.
Former First Lady and Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos also came to Santiago’s wake and expressed sadness over her death.
Imelda’s son, Senator Bongbong Marcos, was Santiago’s runningmate in the May polls, who became emotional on Thursday in remembering his runningmate.
Members of the Makabayan bloc—including former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, Gabriela Rep. Emmi de Jesus, and Bayan Muna secretary-general Renato Reyes Jr.—also came to pay their respects.
Former Vice President Noli de Castro and former Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro also paid respects to the late senator.
Former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares arrived hours later and called Santiago a fierce fighter.
To recall, Santiago died in her sleep on Thursday morning. She was 71.
Her remains will be interred on Sunday, October 2, at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City.
On Friday morning, Atty. Narciso Santiago, her husband, was emotional in giving his remarks when approached by the members of the media at the wake of his wife.
“‘Yung pagmamahal at papuri sa kaniya, sana naigawa nu’ng buhay pa siya,” he said. “Dahil ang buhay niya—kamukha ni Presidente (Rodrigo) Duterte—binuhos nila sa pagsisilbi sa bayan at sa tao.”
“Pero nu’ng buhay pa siya, hindi nabigyan, e,” he added before walking inside the wake.