Yesterday, Miriam Defensor-Santiago passed away in her sleep at age 71 while battling lung cancer.
A deep sadness came over me upon hearing this.
I never met her personally, but I’ve always admired her brilliance and appreciated her genuine public service.
She was one of our country’s greatest legal minds (an International Criminal Court judge) and one of the best government officials ever!
The lady who “ate death threats for breakfast” was an inspiration to many Filipinos.
Here are several reasons for that:
- She taught us to do our very best to excel in everything we do.
- She taught us that we can do more to make our country better.
- She taught us that leaders should get along (regardless of affiliations) to forge a better future for our land.
- She taught us to always stand by the truth and never be intimidated.
- She taught us to get up and fight again even after losing several times (she ran for president 3 times).
- She taught us to find humor even in being serious.
- She taught us to be courageous and continue to live productively at all costs.
Miriam was so feisty that she stared death in the eye and told him she won’t go down without a fight!
“The Iron Lady of Asia” didn’t die in the hands of criminals, corrupt officials or while interpellating with brainless politicians – she died swinging, kicking and slapping death around!
In my mind and heart, her defiance and sheer will taught us that daily we’re in for a fight.Win, lose or draw, we can make a big difference in this life!
For me she was never meant to be our president, because she was meant to be the conscience of the Filipino society.
Thank you for inspiring us Pinoys in many ways!
You have fought a great fight, Madame Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, now it’s time to rest.- See more at: http://awinaway.com/2016/09/30/mds-is-forever/#sthash.OtRGI83N.E6abKQEv.dpuf