Since the passing of the incomparable Sen, Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Thu, Sep 29, the entire country has been mourning the loss of a great lawmaker and a tirelessly dedicated public servant.

As thousands of visitors came to pay their respects for the late senator, praises also showered the “Iron Lady of Asia.”

But her husband Narciso ‘Jun’ Santiago hoped these kind words of appreciation came while his wife was still alive to hear them.

“Nalulungkot ako dahil sa pagpanaw ni Miriam… Pangalawa, ang pagmamahal at pagpuri sa kanya sana naigawad nung buhay pa siya,” Jun Santiago said in an ABS-CBN News report.

[I am sad because of Miriam’s passing… Secondly, I wish all the love and praises were given to her while she was still alive.]

Still emotional from the loss of his greatest partner, Santiago said his wife deserves praise because she dedicated her life to public service, just like President Rodrigo Duterte.

He said, “Dahil ang buhay niya, kamukha ni Presidente Duterte, binuhos nila sa pagsisilbi sa bayan at sa mga tao. Pero nung buhay pa siya hindi nabigyan ng ganoon…”

[Because her life, just like President Duterte, was poured into serving the country and the people. But when she was still alive, she wasn’t given any (recognition or praises).]

The late senator is will be laid to final rest at 1:00 p.m. today, Sun, Oct 2 at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City.

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