On Thursday, September 29, the Philippines lost former Senator Miriam Defensor- Santiago, one of the country’s most treasured public servant. Santiago, who lost in the 2016 Presidential elections, succumbed to stage 4 lung cancer at the age of 71.
A dedicated former public servant, lawyer, trial judge and law expert, Santiago was best known for fighting corruption and her no-nonsense style of leadership. Her endless list of accomplishments and contributions to the country had earned her the label “Iron Lady of Asia.”
READ: Former Senator Miriam Santiago dead at 71
But more than her achievements, Santiago would be remembered for her fiery, colourful language. Over the years, the extraordinary politician had charmed Filipinos with her witty remarks on almost any topic including life, love, politics and even handbags. She even came up with two best-selling books titled is “Stupid is Forever” and “Stupid is Forevermore,” a collection of Santiago’s jokes, commentaries and quotes that cracked up thousands of readers.
Indeed, we did learn a thing or two from Santiago’s life and words of wisdom. Here are some badass quotes from the beloved politician.
1. On Garbage Disposal
“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.”
2. On Hard Work
“You students, there is no substitute to hard work. Kaya huwag kayoing mangongopya and if you copy you will never succeed. Tingnan mo ang nangyari sa manila noon college sila, nangopya. Ngayon, senador na, nangopya pa rin.”
3. On Politics
“Entering politics is a fate worse than death.”
4. On Handbags
“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.”
5. On Resisting Temptation
“When the government employee is poor, and he works in a corrupt agency, he can resist everything except temptation.”
6. On Marriage
“Five tips for a happy man’s life: Have a girl to help you at work, have a girl to take care of you and love you, have a girl who can make you laugh, have a girl who spoils you and lastly and most importantly, siguraduhin na hindi magkakakilala ang apat na babaeng iyon.”
7. On Fighting Graft and Corruption
Why did man climb Mt. Everest? Because it is there. Why am I fighting graft and corruption? because it is here!”
8. On Death and Surviving
“Maybe they will be happy because on one hand I might die and then they could get rid of me. But on the other hand I might survive and then I will get rid of them.”
9. On Quality Education
“I have realized why corrupt politicians do nothing to improve the quality of public school education. They are terrified of educated voters.”
10. On Love
“Mahal ka niya, mahal mo siya. Pero mas mahal ang tuition fee. Kaya mag-aral ka muna.”
--Mini, The Summit Express
 |
| PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/ Senmiriam |
READ: Former Senator Miriam Santiago dead at 71
But more than her achievements, Santiago would be remembered for her fiery, colourful language. Over the years, the extraordinary politician had charmed Filipinos with her witty remarks on almost any topic including life, love, politics and even handbags. She even came up with two best-selling books titled is “Stupid is Forever” and “Stupid is Forevermore,” a collection of Santiago’s jokes, commentaries and quotes that cracked up thousands of readers.
Indeed, we did learn a thing or two from Santiago’s life and words of wisdom. Here are some badass quotes from the beloved politician.
1. On Garbage Disposal
“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.”
2. On Hard Work
“You students, there is no substitute to hard work. Kaya huwag kayoing mangongopya and if you copy you will never succeed. Tingnan mo ang nangyari sa manila noon college sila, nangopya. Ngayon, senador na, nangopya pa rin.”
3. On Politics
“Entering politics is a fate worse than death.”
4. On Handbags
“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.”
5. On Resisting Temptation
“When the government employee is poor, and he works in a corrupt agency, he can resist everything except temptation.”
6. On Marriage
“Five tips for a happy man’s life: Have a girl to help you at work, have a girl to take care of you and love you, have a girl who can make you laugh, have a girl who spoils you and lastly and most importantly, siguraduhin na hindi magkakakilala ang apat na babaeng iyon.”
7. On Fighting Graft and Corruption
Why did man climb Mt. Everest? Because it is there. Why am I fighting graft and corruption? because it is here!”
8. On Death and Surviving
“Maybe they will be happy because on one hand I might die and then they could get rid of me. But on the other hand I might survive and then I will get rid of them.”
9. On Quality Education
“I have realized why corrupt politicians do nothing to improve the quality of public school education. They are terrified of educated voters.”
10. On Love
“Mahal ka niya, mahal mo siya. Pero mas mahal ang tuition fee. Kaya mag-aral ka muna.”
--Mini, The Summit Express
