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Top 10 Powerful Quotes from the Iron Lady of Asia, Sen Meriam Santiago

On July 02 2014, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago announced that she has lung cancer. After two years of battling with the said ailment the senator passed away last September 29, 2016. According to her husband, Atty. Jun Santiago, she died very peacefully in her sleep.

The senator who was also known as the Iron Lady of Asia left with a great legacy in lawmaking, politics and her undoubtedly good humor. Whenever she speaks, her listeners would always wait for her memorable quotes.

Here are few of her memorable quotable quotes.

1. “I lied” - the late senator’s career was not all perfect, she also had a few controversial statements which became a target of her haters. In 2001, the senator said she is going to jump on an airplane without a parachute if the then President Estrada is ousted from his position. After Estrada was impeached, this was the Senator’s reply to the media.

2. “I eat death threats for breakfast!” – In one her interviews, this was what the answer of the feisty senator to a journalist when she was asked, “What is your reaction to the many death threats received by your office?”

3."Stage 4 is the last stage [of cancer]. Nag-aantay ako mamatay, eh hindi ako pinatay ng guardian angel ko eh!" – during the first presidential debate of the 2016 election, Sen. Miriam Santiago jokingly said this to those who were questioning the status of her health.

4.“Handbags, I don’t at all like them because they occupy my hands. My hands always have to be ready in case I need to slap somebody.” – In an interview in GMA News TV’s powerhouse, the Senator was asked why she was fonder of shoes than handbag.

5.“Pinagpapaskil ninyo ang mga pagmumukha ninyo sa EDSA! Ang papangit nyo!”– This was the senator’s comment regarding the outrageously big tarpaulins of some politicians.

6."Magiging 90 ka na, kasing-tanda mo na si Tanda [Juan Ponce Enrile]. Pinoproteksyunan mo ang tao na siya ang pinaka-guilty. I will give you this counsel: Tell the truth before the senators affected have you assassinated. You will turn 90, you'll be as old as that old man. You're protecting the man who's most guilty. Think about it. This is a friendly tip from a lawyer." – her words towards Janet Napoles during a Senate Investigation of the pork barrel scam issue in November 2013.

7.“How can there be justice in our correctional system when we have a double standard between poor and rich inmates?” – the senator commenting on  the reports of rich high-risk prisoners in the New Bilibid Prison who were said to be staying in air-conditioned rooms, and were even allowed to bring illegal drugs, alcohol and take sex workers. The senator also added, “They are making a mockery out of the justice system by turning our jails into their own private resorts”.

8.“In the spirit of Holy Week, which is approaching, I amend my previous offer to fight. Instead, I challenge him to take an IQ test with me in UP!” – After she challenged Joaquin to fist fight.

9.“Anong tawag ‘pag nagtapon ka ng basura sa dagat? Sagot: Pollution

Ano naman ang tawag kapag tinapon mo sa dagat ang mga pulitikong kurakot? Sagot: Solution.” – Another punch line of the Senator on the issue of pork barrel.

10. “Change the Charter so that only taxpayers will be allowed to vote.” – According to her the taxpayers are being ruled by the choice of the nontaxpayers.

Contributor : Raine TMC
Photo credit (inset) : Philnews/MD2016