President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday expressed his grief on the death of former Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, saying he hopes her legacy will guide the country in the future.
In statement, the President expressed his "deepest sorrow" over Santiago's death, as he recalled the lawmaker's "sterling career" in public office.
"She is best remembered as a graftbuster 'eating death threats for breakfast' earning her the [title] Iron Lady of Asia. A constitutionalist, she has always been an advocate for the rule of law," Duterte said.
Santiago had said that she "ate death threats for breakfast" when she was Commissioner of Immigration and Deportation during the term of the late President Corazon Aquino, who tasked her to clean up the agency.
"Rest in peace, Madam Senator. May your legacy continue to guide this nation for many years to come," said an emotional Duterte, who is currently visiting Vietnam.
Santiago was among the four candidates who went against Duterte in the 2016 presidential race. The former lawmaker finished last with 1.5 million votes.
She also ran in the 1992 presidential elections but lost for former President Fidel Ramos. She also lost in the 1998 presidential elections won by Joseph Estrada.
Source / Image: ABS-CBN
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