By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Two roads in Quezon City have been formally renamed after the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago by the city government.

These are the BIR and Agham roads that were named after the late senator who died at the age of 71.

Among those present during the renaming event were Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, QC Mayor Joy Belmonte, QC First District Representative Arjo Atayde of Quezon City, Santiago’s sister Linnea Evangelista, and widower Narciso Santiago.

During his speech, Santiago averred that “an official in Malacañang told him the said bill would automatically lapse into law.”

“Noong ang batas na ito ay ipinadala sa Malacañang…isang opisyal sa Malacañang ang nag-rekomenda na pabayaan na lang na mag-lapse into law itong batas na ito,” Santiago said.

“Marahil hindi niya kayang lumaban sa dating Senador Miriam Defensor-Santiago nang harapan noong nabubuhay pa siya kaya ngayong pumanaw na siya, doon niya ipinakita ang kanyang sama ng loob,” he added.

If a bill is passed by Congress and transmitted to Malacañang and the President does not take action within 30 days, the said bill automatically lapses into law.

Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio honored the late Defensor-Santiago, saying that she was one of the “most admired” national leaders.

“This is a tribute to her incredible achievements and a reminder of her unwavering dedication and love of country,” she said.

MDS, as she was addressed by some colleagues, died from complications from her cancer on September 29, 2016, and was buried days later at Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina.

In December 2018, the prestigious Quezon Service Cross was posthumously conferred upon Defensor Santiago, making her the first woman and, so far, only Visayan and the sixth person ever to be enthroned in the country’s highest roster.[20]

Defensor Santiago was known as the Dragon Lady, the Platinum Lady, the Incorruptible Lady, the Impregnable Lady, Feisty Senator, The Doctor of All Laws, the Omniscient Woman, and most popularly, the Iron Lady of Asia.

MDS, as she was colloquially referred to by some colleagues, passed away on September 29, 2016, due to complications from her cancer. She was laid to rest a few days later at Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina.

In December 2018, the prestigious Quezon Service Cross was posthumously awarded to Defensor Santiago. This recognition marked her as the first woman, the only Visayan, and the sixth person overall to be honored with the highest distinction in the country.

Known by various epithets such as the Dragon Lady, the Platinum Lady, the Incorruptible Lady, the Impregnable Lady, Feisty Senator, The Doctor of All Laws, the Omniscient Woman, and most notably, the Iron Lady of Asia, Defensor Santiago left an indelible mark on Philippine politics and society.

(ai/mnm)