In death, Miriam 'the fighter' lauded for courage, leadership

Government officials who trooped to pay their last respects to Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago had one common description of the woman: that she was a fighter in public service.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said that with Santiago's death, the country "lost an icon in Congress" and "a fierce fighter against corruption."

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales on Sen. Miriam's passing: "We lost an icon in Congress, a fierce fighter of corruption." pic.twitter.com/4V7qYfSI1o

— R-A. Dioquino (@AicaDioquino) September 30, 2016

"As all citizens are saying, we miss her. We regret that she passed away," Morales told reporters. Former First Lady and incumbent Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos said she will remember Santiago "as one of the most outstanding leaders of our country."

Imelda said she was a principal sponsor when Santiago celebrated her 40th wedding anniversary to husband Narciso Jr.

Imelda's son Bongbong was the late senator's running-mate in the May presidential race.

Meanwhile, Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said the Philippines "lost a good leader."

"She had good qualities of a public official. She was a fiesty senator. She had principles," Panelo said.

For his part, former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares said Santiago embodied hope because of her fearlessness.

Ex-Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares says Sen. Miriam should inspire people to fight for what they think is right. pic.twitter.com/Zsp0AzI2ma

— R-A. Dioquino (@AicaDioquino) September 30, 2016

"If there are two words to describe her, it's 'palaban'—sa sakit niya, palaban siya; sa lahat ng issues, palaban siya—at dahil palaban siya, the other word is 'pag-asa,'" he said.

"If there's any inspiration na maiiwan ni Sen. Miriam, it's probably that: na kung may tingin kang dapat ipaglaban, ipaglaban mo. Kasi sa paglaban mo, may pag-asa," he added. "We are here to pay homage to a person who provided color not only to the Senate, but to the political landscape," he went on.

Meanwhile, Public Attorney's Office (PAO) chief Persida Acosta said she looked up to Santiago because the late senator "embodied" the rule of law.

PAO chief Persida Acosta also came to pay her respects to her "idol," says Sen. Miriam really stood by rule of law. pic.twitter.com/7GBrLPH7xc

— R-A. Dioquino (@AicaDioquino) September 30, 2016

"Mula kasi nu'ng naging PAO chief ako, very supportive siya sa PAO. 'Pag meron akong ipinaglalaban, hindi siya kontra sa ipinaglalaban ko. Ibig sabihin, 'yung rule of law, nasa kaniya 'yung rule of law," she said.

"Isa siya sa mga idolo ko, kaya 'yung tapang niya, makuha ko man lang 'yung 80 percent, 'yung galing niya sa batas, makuha ko man lang 'yung 80 percent... Idol na idol ko po si Sen. Miriam. 'Yun nga lang, hindi niya talaga destiny na maging pangulo ng ating bansa," she added.

Vice President Leni Robredo and several other officials, past and present, have paid their last respects to the senator, who passed away in her sleep on Thursday morning. She was 71.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who beat Santiago in her third try for the presidency in May, is expected to visit the wake on Saturday. — VVP, GMA News