METRO
Asia’s ‘Iron Lady’ remembered
A memorial Mass was held at Santiago’s tomb, attended by her husband, Atty. Narciso ‘Jun’ Santiago Jr.
Family, friends and political supporters gathered at Loyola Memorial Park on Tuesday to mark the 10th death anniversary of former Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
A memorial Mass was held at Santiago’s tomb, attended by her husband, Atty. Narciso “Jun” Santiago Jr., alongside long-time allies, including former Batangas Governor Antonio “Tony” Leviste and former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon.
Atty. Santiago expressed gratitude to supporters who continue to honor the late lawmaker’s memory, noting her lifelong dedication to public service.
Leviste, who served as secretary-general of the People’s Reform Party when Santiago founded it for her 1992 presidential run, praised her uncompromising stance against systemic corruption.
“When Miriam ran for president in 1992, the battlecry was to reform the culture of corruption in our country,” Leviste said. “That battlecry is now more relevant than ever.”
Dubbed the “Iron Lady of Asia” for her legal intellect, sharp wit and fiery anti-corruption campaign, Defensor-Santiago passed away on 29 September 2016 following complications from lung cancer.