SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA'S SPEECH PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE LATE SENATOR MIRIAM SANTIAGO

MR. PRESIDENT,

Last Thursday, September 29, we heard the sad news of former Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago's passing. The nation stood in shock, our feeling of sorrow, our pain was greater than anyone could ever imagine.

Dr. Miriam Defensor-Santiago was a great leader and a lawmaker, a source of pride and inspiration to every Filipino.

To our young people, she was a "rock star" - not only because of her wit and sense of humor but also because of her bold and moral leadership.

I was a first termer and the youngest member of the House of Representatives when I first met Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. From that moment until today, I've realized how much my political life, my advocacies and attributes as a public official was hugely influenced by MDS.

Hence, I was truly honored and humbled by her endorsement in the recent senatorial race. I owe her my victory; I believe her influence on millenials and the youth sector will last for a very long time.

Hindi madaling muli tayong makakita ng isang Miriam Defensor-Santiago, ng isang "rock star" sa larangan ng pulitika, na magbibigay inspirasyon at impluwensiya sa ating tumayo at magsalita para sa kapakanan ng bayan, at huwag matakot na ipaglaban ang katotohanan, katarungan at katwiran.

Maraming salamat po.