MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte yesterday expressed hope that the late senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago would inspire Filipinos to work for positive change and to serve their fellowmen.
Duterte conferred the Quezon Service Cross Award, the highest national recognition of outstanding civilian service, on Santiago, making her the first woman to be given such honor.
Santiago’s family led by her husband, Narciso, received the award, which was given a year after she was nominated by the President.
“Throughout her life, Senator Santiago profoundly stirred our nation, especially the youth, to challenge pre-conceived notions on political and social issues. I am hopeful that as we recognize her exemplary contributions to society, she will serve as an inspiration to a generation of Filipinos who will use their talents for the benefit of the country and their fellowmen,” Duterte said during the awarding ceremony.
“Let us all do our part, however small, in helping bring about positive change in the country. May Senator Santiago’s shining example be the legacy that we will leave behind to future generations of Filipinos. Let her memory serve as the light that will guide us toward a more progressive, inclusive and equitable society,” he added.
Duterte recalled that Santiago would greet and talk to him whenever they saw each other in public. He claimed that they campaigned for each other during the 2016 presidential race.
“During the campaign, she was campaigning for me, I was campaigning for her in short. So magandang laro iyon (It was a good game),” he said.
Duterte said he had hesitated to ask Santiago questions during the presidential debates.
He said he was honored to confer the Quezon Service Cross award on Santiago, whom he described as “an esteemed lawmaker, constitutionalist and stateswoman.”
“Senator Santiago dedicated her life to public service for almost 50 years, holding the distinction of serving in all three branches of government. Throughout her stellar career, she embodied the highest standards expected of any public servant with her academic, professional and moral excellence,” the President said.
“All these achievements clearly demonstrate how her values, ideals and dedication to public service highly compare to the standards exemplified by the late President Manuel Quezon,” Duterte added.
Before becoming a three-term senator, Santiago served as presiding judge of the Quezon City regional trial court, immigration commissioner and agrarian reform secretary.
Duterte said Santiago made her mark in the Senate not just by crafting crucial legislation but by “helping formulate policies that touched the lives of ordinary Filipinos.”