Miriam's other half, Jun Santiago

The husband of presidential bet Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Atty. Narciso “Jun” Santiago Jr., has managed to keep a low-profile over the years despite his wife's colorful political life.

GMA News' Raffy Tima said in a report on the segment “Kabiyak” of “24 Oras” on Wednesday, Jun has occupied several positions in government and served under several administrations. He was always out of the public eye but has remained supportive of his wife's candidacy.

In her third presidential bid, it was reported that Jun himself asked Sen. Bongbong Marcos to be Miriam's running mate.

In the final leg of presidential debates, Miriam joked about her husband's role if she wins the presidency.

“Dapat nandiyan siya sa bahay pag-uwi ko,” the senator said.

Miriam and Jun met in the 1960s. They were both students at the University of the Philippines College of Law.

Jun, like his wife, also served in the government. He became the chief of Piers and Investigation Division of the Bureau of Customs in 1988. He left his position in 1992 to support Miriam's campaign in the presidential elections.

In 1999, he served as Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) undersecretary during the Estrada administration.

During the Arroyo administration from 2004 to 2010, he served as presidential adviser for revenue enhancement and adviser for Western Visayas.

Now, Jun serves as the chairman of the board and president of five real estate companies he owns with his wife.

In 2013, Sen. Panfilo Lacson questioned Miriam's use of Senate funds to rent a satellite office at the Narsan building, which the couple owned. Miriam said the Senate was able to save money when she rented the said office space. The Senate legal office did nto find any regularity in the said transaction.

Miriam was once accused of using her pork barrel to build a cockpit in arena in Pasig City.

Jun is also a known cocker. He served as secretary general of National Cockers Association and was Cocker of the Year several times.

The Santiago couple declined to give a comment regarding the cockpit arena issue.

During the 40th wedding anniversary of Jun and Miriam last 2011, their visitors included big names in politics who have a history of disagreement and misunderstanding as well as business were present.

The guests who graced the occasion showed that the couple was able to maintain relationships beyond political ideology and color.

“Ang secret namin, hindi pa niya natatapos sabihin, payag na ’ko,” Jun said. — John Ted Cordero, BAP, GMA News