Philippine Ex Presidential Candidate Miriam Defensor Santiago Dies of Cancer

Miriam Defensor Santiago, Philippine most sought after ex-presidential candidate succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 71. Her husband said in an interview that Miriam “died peacefully” in a hospital in Manila on Thursday morning.

The former judge and senator sought presidency twice, prior to the last elections, in 1992 and 1998. Having lung cancer did not stop the former senator as she boldly held office before running for presidency.

Miriam Santiago, known as the Iron Lady of Filipino politics was born in Iloilo City. She announced to her supporters that she was suffering from stage four lung cancer in 2014.

Furthermore, she needed to turn down a judicial position at the International Criminal Court because of her illness.

Miriam’s blunt and daring style helps her unflinchingly stand on major issues on corruption. She was known to have a quick wit and courageous statement in court even at rallies. Miriam is Philippine’s feisty senator whose trademarks were her frank and fearless style of speech.

According to Rico Hizon of BBC News, “In my days starting out as a reporter in the Philippines, I remember she was always accommodating. She would joke gamely with the Philippine media.”

‘The best president we never had’

A Facebook post from local media network, GMA News Agency it drew more than 300,000 reactions and 50,000 comments.

Filipinos flooded social media with tributes to the late Senator; describing her as the best president the Philippines “never had”.

One Facebook user, Cedric Pazcoguin posted, “We just lost a great woman, a great Filipino and a great public servant. Rest in peace, madam senator,”
Ruby Ann del Rosario, Miriam’s supporter from Manila said “My heart is broken but I am finding comfort to the fact that she passed away peacefully in her sleep. Rest in perfect peace – our nation will surely treasure your legacy forever,”

Other posted similar quotes like Kharl Ferrer, who may have best described Philippine’s sentiment. He posted “You could have been one of our greatest presidents. This is a very sad day for the Philippines. We lost a gem”.

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