Miriam Defensor Santiago, the fiery Ilongga senator and one of the country's most popular politicians, was laid to rest Sunday, October 2, surrounded by family, relatives, close friends, and supporters, marking the end of a life filled with public service.
Santiago was laid to rest at the Loyoloa Memorial Park in Marikina City.
Prior to the burial, a funeral mass was held at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, where her remains were opened for public viewing. The mass was led by Bishops Teodoro Bacani and Honesto Ongtioco, together with Fr Aris Sison.
Her body was transferred to the cemetery in Marikina afterwards.
Several politicians attended the mass and burial rites for Santiago, known for her service in all 3 branches of government: the executive, judiciary, and legislative.
Among those at the mass were fomer senators Francisco "Kit" Tatad and Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr, and former first lady and now Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos.
Santiago died on Thursday, September 29 at St Lukes Medical Center in Taguig City. She has been battling lung cancer since 2011.
Nearly 50,000 people lined up at the cathedral from Thursday to Sunday morning to pay their last respects for the respected political icon.
Source: Rappler