Today, we lost one of the most fierce stateswoman, Miriam Defensor Santiago.
At 71, the former senator succumbed to her battle with cancer.
Many dubbed her as the “President we never had.”
In 1992, she ran for president but lost in an election tainted with allegations of dishonesty. At that time, the quote, “Miriam won in the elections, but lost in the counting” became popular in the country.
In 1998, she ran again, but lost again “after heavy black propaganda against her which were eventually proven false.”
Then, in 2016, she ran again amid her battle with cancer, but lost again because many felt she needed rest due to her health condition.
At 8:52 AM today, in her sleep, she took a bow.
And we mourn.
On social media, people expressed their grief. Most of all, people expressed their gratitude to the “president we never had”.
Rest In Peace Sen. Miriam Santiago
The best president we never had ☝
— PAPA JACK ® (@PapaJackQuote) September 29, 2016
The best president we never had ☝My sincerest condolences to the family of Sen. Miriam Santiago.She will be greatly missed.Senator,thank you for your service to our country. pic.twitter.com/vfj85fhx8N
— Geraldine Roman (@geraldinebroman) September 29, 2016
Sen. Miriam Santiago, you will always be remembered. Thank you for selflessly serving our country and the filipino people.
— Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao) September 29, 2016
RIP Sen Miriam. This was her last TV interview before election day. May 7, 2016 #ANCHeadstart Grit & Brilliance
pic.twitter.com/7UJDNaXdnx
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) September 29, 2016
The City of Valenzuela joins the nation as it mourns the passing of Sen. Miriam Santiago…one of the most brilliant minds of this nation.
— Rex (@rex_gatchalian) September 29, 2016
RIP Sen. Miriam Santiago
a woman full of wisdom and courage is now up in heaven.. nagulat ako news…
— kim chiu (@prinsesachinita) September 29, 2016
a woman full of wisdom and courage is now up in heaven.. nagulat ako news…Sad day for the Philippines. RIP Miriam Defensor Santiago.
— Teens of Manila (@iTeensManila) September 29, 2016
Now we know why the sky is crying.
Thank you Sen. Miriam Santiago.
#RIPMiriamSantiago
— P R I N C E (@Prince_Sipe) September 29, 2016
Rest in peace, Sen Miriam Santiago.
— Medyo Maldito (@Medyomaldito) September 29, 2016
Nobody can replace the way Sen. Miriam Santiago deals with stupid politicians. #RIPMiriamSantiago
— Juan (@jkmiguel_) September 29, 2016
The iron lady is now up there
RIP Sen. Miriam Santiago. Your wit and humor will be missed.
— Mister Banatero (@MisterBanatero) September 29, 2016
RIP Sen. Miriam Santiago. Your wit and humor will be missed. 
RIP to the best President the Philippines never had, Sen. Miriam Santiago. You will always be remembered.
— Jayson Lomboy, CPA (@jaysonlomboy) September 29, 2016
I was so happy back then
RIP Sen. Miriam Santiago. You will always be loved. pic.twitter.com/FbiERbQJ8D
— QUEENIE (@queenamor__) September 29, 2016
I voted for her, I have no regrets. She’s the best president this country never had. RIP Sen. Miriam Santiago.
— fib (@feebyespejo) September 29, 2016
We join the PH in mourning Sen. Miriam Santiago, one of the brightest firecrackers we’ve ever had. https://t.co/W9zPiPa3dL pic.twitter.com/PH86zQH75b
— Esquire Philippines (@EsquirePH) September 29, 2016
Rest in peace Sen. Miriam Santiago. The whole country will miss you.
pic.twitter.com/bYp8KYthQA
— Bob Ong (@BobOngBook) September 29, 2016
Condolences to her family and close friends.
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