Miriam Defensor Santiago
Miriam Defensor Santiago
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Miriam Colina Defensor-Santiago was a Filipino lawyer, politician, and academic known for her strong advocacy on human rights and good governance. She was commonly referred to as the "Iron Lady of Asia" due to her unwavering dedication to justice.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on July 6, 1945, in Iloilo City, Philippines, Miriam Defensor Santiago passed away on June 29, 2023, at the age of 77.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Miriam was a Filipino national with multiple professions. She was a lawyer, politician, and academic, serving as a senator of the Republic of the Philippines from 2004 to 2016. Throughout her career, she also worked as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
Early Life and Background
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Miriam Defensor Santiago was born into a family of modest means. Her parents were both educators who valued education highly. She grew up in Iloilo City and began attending school at a young age. Miriam showed exceptional academic prowess from an early stage, winning numerous awards for her outstanding performance.
Major Accomplishments
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Miriam Defensor Santiago's accomplishments are numerous and varied. As a senator, she was instrumental in pushing for the passage of several landmark legislation, including the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the Cybercrime Prevention Act. Her advocacy on human rights and good governance made her a respected figure not just within the Philippines but also internationally.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Miriam's most notable works include:
Author: She wrote several books, including "The Laws of Men: Notes from My 2004 US Presidential Campaign" and "My Grammar and I, or If You Really Must Write."
Teacher: Defensor-Santiago taught law at the University of the Philippines College of Law and served as a professor of international law at Ateneo de Manila University.
Politician: As a senator, she championed several causes, including human rights and good governance.Impact and Legacy
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Miriam Defensor Santiago's impact on Philippine society cannot be overstated. Her unwavering commitment to justice and her fight against corruption made her a beacon of hope for many Filipinos. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of leaders and activists.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Miriam Defensor Santiago is widely quoted or remembered for several reasons:
Unwavering commitment to justice: She never compromised on her values, even in the face of adversity.
Courageous leadership: As a senator and as a leader in the human rights movement, she demonstrated unwavering courage in standing up for what was right.
Intellectual prowess: Her exceptional academic achievements and writings made her one of the most respected figures in Philippine society.
Throughout her life, Miriam Defensor Santiago left an indelible mark on Philippine society. Her commitment to justice, leadership, and intellectual pursuits continue to inspire generations of Filipinos.
Quotes by Miriam Defensor Santiago
I guess it’s the expectation that something will happen – something bright and shimmering, that has touched you life before, and will descend on you again, when you turn a corner.
In my view, leadership is the courage to take risks in defense of a position that is both legal and moral. The politician who tries to become a wise guy by becoming friends to everybody – corrupt or not – is not a leader.
What is the meaning of life? This meaning is not for you to find, but for you to define.
In a corrupt country, if you want to succeed in politics, you must keep your conscience under control.
What is the meaning of life? This meaning is not for you to find, but for you to define. The meaning of life is found in the purposes that we pursue as we grow older.
I will jump headfirst from a helicopter in Luneta if Estrada gets removed from power.
I have no illusions about myself, about my life, about leaving a legacy, or making a mark in people’s lives. We are so insignificant. We are only here for a blink.
A smart wife is one who makes sure she spends so much that her husband can’t afford another woman.
