Husband of late senator Miriam Defensor Santiago thanks Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo

Newly-crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo gained an instant fan in the husband of the late senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.

Narciso Santiago Jr. was moved by the Ilongga beauty queen's kind words to his wife in the question and answer segment of the pageant, which aired yesterday, October 25, on GMA Network.

“If I were given the chance, I want to use the face of Miriam Defensor Santiago [should there be a new paper bill in circulation],” Rabiya answered.

“For those who don't know, she was an Ilongga. But what I admired about her is that she used her knowledge, her voice to serve the country. I want to be somebody like her, somebody who puts her heart, her passion into action. After all, she is the best President that we never had.”

Rabiya's answer caught the attention of Narciso, who kindly wrote these words on the late senator's Facebook page:

“To the newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020, congratulations!

“Me and my family would like to give you our heartful gratitude and appreciation for your kind and wonderful comment on my wife, Miriam. We hope that you would be successful in attaining all your goals in life. Just in case you will be needing help, please don't hesitate to contact me and I'll be more than happy to help you.”

Senator Santiago served the Senate for three terms or 18 years in total - from 1995 to 2001 and from 2004 to 2016.

Source: Sen. Miriam Defensor Santago (FB)

She ran for the presidency thrice but lost to Fidel Ramos in 1992 then to Joseph Estrada in 1998, and Rodrigo Duterte in 2016.

The feisty senator died on September 29, 2016, at the age of 71 due to lung cancer.

The late senator's life has been told so many times, in so many ways, including her love story with husband Narciso in an episode of Wagas on GMA News TV. The role of senator Miriam was played by her good friend, Heart Evangelista.