“Let her memory serve as the light that will guide us toward a more progressive, inclusive and equitable society.”

This was said by President Rodrigo Duterte this Dec. 3, setting hope that the late senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago would be an inspiration to Filipinos to work for a positive remake and to serve fellow countrymen

Quezon Service Cross Award, the highest national recognition of outstanding civilian service was the award given to Santiago, making her the first woman to be given such honor.

“Senator Santiago dedicated her life to public service for almost 50 years…Throughout her career, she embodied the highest standard of any public servant with her academic, professional and moral excellence,” said the President.

“All this achievement clearly demonstrates how her values, ideals and dedication to public service,” he added.

Duterte also said he was honored to give the award to Santiago whom he described as “an esteemed lawmaker, constitutionalist and stateswoman”.

Before becoming a senator, Santiago served as an immigration commissioner and agrarian reform secretary and judge of the Quezon City regional trial court.