Supporters troop to wake for Miriam Defensor Santiago

Filipinos have started going to the wake for former Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago when it was made open for public viewing.

The wake began at the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral in Cubao on Thursday night and will continue until the funeral Mass on Sunday, October 2.

Tuloy-tuloy ang public viewing para sa labi ni Senator Miriam Santiago @UnangHirit pic.twitter.com/OSjg8Z08KR

— Janela Paguio (@janelapaguio) September 29, 2016

Bukas sa publiko ang burol ni Senator Miriam sa Immaculate Conception Cathedral sa Cubao @UnangHirit @gmanews pic.twitter.com/gTSYR02b0c

— Janela Paguio (@janelapaguio) September 29, 2016

On Friday morning, her former staff were among those who arrived early at the chapel.

Malalapit na staff ni Senator Miriam Santiago na bumabati sa kanya ngayong umaga ng "Good morning, Maam." @gmanews pic.twitter.com/jPRC73ieLw

— Janela Paguio (@janelapaguio) September 29, 2016

On Thursday night, many people already lined up to await the arrival of the casket.

Inaasahang darating na dito sa Immaculate Conception Cathedral ang mga labi ng dating Senadora Miriam Santiago. pic.twitter.com/suZOfzOLcX

— Janela Paguio (@janelapaguio) September 29, 2016

The casket arrived before 8:30 p.m. 

Mga labi ng senadora dumaying na sa cubao immaculate cathedral @gmanews pic.twitter.com/DpRguSaXMs

— Janela Paguio (@janelapaguio) September 29, 2016

Supporters lined up patiently to await their turn to pay their respects.

Pila para sa public viewing ng labi ni Senator Santiago @gmanews pic.twitter.com/qRYVkxhhtg

— Janela Paguio (@janelapaguio) September 29, 2016

The former senator's family and friends were given some private time before the wake was made open to the public.

Malalapit na kaanak at kaibigan pa lamang ang pinapayagang makapasok sa loob ng burol ni Senator Santiago @gmanews pic.twitter.com/abZFhlnwwf

— Janela Paguio (@janelapaguio) September 29, 2016

The feisty lawmaker died in her sleep on Thursday morning after battling lung cancer. She was 71.

Santiago's remains will be interred at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City on Sunday afternoon. —KG, GMA News