Statement by Senate President Pro-Tempore Franklin Drilon on the
 death of former Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago

Today marks one of the saddest days in the history of our country.

It is with an extreme sense of loss and grief that I join the entire country in mourning the passing of my close friend and colleague, former Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, whose unique brilliance, wit and charm endeared herself to each and very Filipino from all generations and from all walks of life.

My condolences go out to her husband, Jun and their loved ones as they go through this difficult time.

We were classmates in our undergraduate studies in the University of the Philippines-Iloilo College and the UP College of Law, from 1961 to 1969, except for one year.

She was my editor in the Philippine Collegian and then, she appointed me as her associate editor. We would work on the Philippine Collegian every Wednesday evening. I would pick her up from the dorm at nine o'clock in the evening and work on the paper overnight.

There is no senator, past or present, who can match Senator Santiago's uncommon brilliance and fiery dedication to her principles and beliefs. She was an intellectual giant and a legal luminary whose wit and words benefited this nation and its people so many times over.

She's a loss to the country. She will remain an inspiration to all of us.

We will miss you, Miriam.