Aguirre regrets not reconciling with Santiago after Corona trial controversy 

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Thursday mourned the passing of former Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago as he expressed regret for not patching things up with her over a controversial incident four years ago.

"We both have some faults that could easily be forgiven. My regret is that I had no opportunity to reconcile with her in connection with the incident of February 29, 2012," Aguirre said in a statement.

The Cabinet official earned the ire of Santiago when he covered his ears on purpose while the legislator was berating the prosecution for announcing it was dropping most of the articles of impeachment and was resting its case against then Chief Justice Renato Corona.

 Aguirre, then a volunteer prosecution lawyer, defended his action, saying he could no longer tolerate the senator's "shrill voice."

Senators cited Aguirre for contempt and he was led out of the impeachment courtroom.

Aguirre immediately apologized for disrespecting Santiago and the Senate which the former senator readily accepted.

Interestingly, Aguirre said he traced the "many unbelievable good things" that happened to his life to that fateful Wednesday afternoon.

"I have much to thank her for what happened to my life after that unforgettable incident during the impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice Corona," he said.

He then condoled with Santiago's family. "I console most sincerely with the family of Sen. Miriam Santiago for her untimely demise. The country lost a great mind and an indefatigable leader and public servant," Aguirre said.

Santiago died at age 71 after a two-year battle with late stage lung cancer. — VVP, GMA News