Memorial service held for Miriam one year after death

Family, friends and supporters of the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago gathered at the Loyola Memorial Park on Friday for a memorial service, a year after she passed away due to cancer.
 
Among those who attended the Mass were Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada; former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, who was Santiago's running-mate when she ran for president in 2016; and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, daugther of President Rodrigo Duterte.

"She paid me the ultimate tribute," Marcos said in a report by GMA News' JP Soriano on Balitanghali. "I'm flattered that she chose me to be her running-mate in the previous election."

Marcos further said that Santiago is missed "not only in the Senate but in the entire Philippines."

A report by radio dzBB's Rod Vega said Fr. Virgilio Ojoy, in his homily, called Santiago an "angel" who, even after death, continues to be a guide to many of them.
 
Santiago's widower, lawyer Jun Santiago, thanked those who still remember his wife.

"Taus-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa paggunita ninyo at pag-alaala kay Miriam," he said.
  
After the service, the crowd chanted the late senator's name and released red balloons to the sky as a tribute for her.
 
Santiago, dubbed as "Asia's Iron Lady for her no-nonsense drive against graft and corruption, died peacefully in her sleep on September 29, 2016 at St. Luke's Medical Center after battling stage-4 lung cancer. She was 71. 

Senators Sonny Angara and Grace Poe have earlier filed separate resolutions to honor Santiago with the Quezon Service Cross, the highest civilian award, a call that was welcomed by Malacañang. —Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/KBK, GMA News