Sara pays tribute to Miriam at road renaming

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President and concurrent Education Sectary Sara Duterte on Saturday paid tribute to the late senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, as she graced the unveiling of a street marker renaming Agham and BIR roads in Quezon City to Senator Miriam P. Defensor-Santiago Avenue.

“Seeing Agham Road and BIR Road renamed Senator Miriam P. Defensor-Santiago Avenue is truly heartwarming. This is a tribute to her incredible achievements and a reminder of her unwavering dedication and love of country,” Duterte said in a speech.

“Senator Miriam P. Defensor-Santiago was a true inspiration, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” she added.

Duterte was joined during the ceremony by QC Mayor Joy Belmonte, QC 1st District Rep. Arjo Atayde and the late senator’s husband, lawyer Jun Santiago.

Sens. Bong Revilla, Koko Pimentel, Francis Tolentino, Mark Villar, Robin Padilla and Tarlac Gov. Susan Yap also attended the ceremony yesterday.

Duterte said Santiago’s life story is a “testament to the Filipino youth that anything is possible if we put our heart and soul into it.”

Duterte cited Santiago’s several achievements such as becoming the first Filipino and first Asian elected to the International Criminal Court; the first Filipino commissioner for the International Development Organization and a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service in 1988.

“Her achievements are a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance in adversity,” Duterte said.

“As we stroll along this newly dedicated road, let us all take a moment to remember Senator Miriam’s bravery and conviction. She fought tirelessly to improve the lives of our fellow Filipinos, and her legacy will continue to inspire us to do the same,” she added.

Duterte also cited Santiago’s fight against corruption.

“May this road serve as an expression of our gratitude for a remarkable and unforgettable and colorful Filipina who fought for truth and upheld legal brilliance while fighting against corruption in the government,” Duterte said.

“May this road serve as a reminder of her lasting legacy and motivate us to follow in her footsteps,” she added.

Santiago ran for president in 1992 but lost to the late Fidel V. Ramos. She also ran for president in 2016 but lost to Sara’s father, Rodrigo Duterte. Santiago succumbed to cancer in September 2016, a few months after the May 9 elections.

The Agham Road and BIR Road were renamed to Senator Miriam P. Defensor-Santiago Avenue pursuant to Republic Act (RA) No. 11936, which lapsed into law a month ago.