Miriam was simple, ‘just wanted to make country better’ – former chief of staff

Behind her larger-than-life persona was a simple woman who just wanted to serve her country well, the former chief of staff of the late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago said Friday.

In an interview on GMA News' Unang Balita, Atty. Rissa Ofilada said that despite her busy schedule, Miriam always made time to meet with her husband, Jun, to share merienda.

"Nu'ng nasa Senate kami, 'pag uuwi kami, because the husband is a businessman, magkikita 'yan sa Red Ribbon... We'll meet there. Kakain lang sila ng ensaymada," Ofilada shared.

These trips meant having Ofilada as the couple's third wheel, something that she said she eventually got used to.

"'Yon nga, nakakahiya, I was there," she said. "Kakain lang sila. Tapos maghihiwalay—may lakad si Sir, may lakad si Ma'am. They would kiss in front of [me]. Doon nga nahihiya pa ako. Nakasanayan ko na lang," she said.

Rissa said her boss looked peaceful at her final moments, and was satisfied with how she lived her life.

"My last exchange was... of course, she couldn't talk anymore the last time I saw her. I just hugged her and kissed her, and said, you know... 'It's about time for you to rest, maybe, and I'll take care of everything, so go if you need to,'" Ofilada said.

She added: "But the last time na tuwang tuwa siya, she was telling me, 'You know, Rissa, I lived a full life. I have my family, I have my career, I served my country."

"Ang gusto lang talaga ni Ma'am, from the very first time na nakilala ko siya, she just wanted to make this country better. 'Yun lang. Simple lang," she went on. — Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/RSJ, GMA News