Senators mourn death of colleague Miriam

MANILA, Philippines — Senators have expressed grief for the passing of former Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Thursday morning.

The veteran senator died in her sleep at the age of 71.

Sen. Grace Poe announced her passing during a Senate hearing on the freedom of information bill.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said that the Senate will hold a necrological service for the late lawmaker.

"No details yet but definitely we will, with the permission of the family, we will hold necrological services at the Senate," Pimentel said in a telephone interview with ANC.

Meanwhile, Sen. Franklin Drilon considered the death of Santiago as a loss to the country.

"We have lost a brilliant mind, a pillar in the profession and we will miss her," Drilon said.

Sad news, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago passed away this morning.

— JV Ejercito (@jvejercito) September 29, 2016

RiP Sen Miriam.  you will be missed. Thanks for the many years of courageous service to the nation 

— Sonny Angara (@sonnyangara) September 29, 2016

Indeed to live is Christ and to die is gain. Rest in peace Tita @senmiriam  #thankyoumiriam

— Joel Villanueva (@JVillanueva2016) September 29, 2016

My deepest sympathies to the family of Senator Miriam. She was an esteemed and respected colleague, a person I admire most.

— GRACE POE (@SenGracePOE) September 29, 2016

Sen. Miriam Santiago, you will always be remembered. Thank you for selflessly serving our country and the filipino people.

— Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao) September 29, 2016

My sympathies to Sec. Jun & Sen. Miriam's family & loved ones. She was one of the greatest & I owe her a lot! She will be greatly missed...

— Chiz Escudero (@SayChiz) September 29, 2016

We mourn the passing of Senator @senmiriam who leaves behind footprints in our public lives that will be hard to follow. pic.twitter.com/SBXQunuT7a

— Gringo Honasan (@gringo_honasan) September 29, 2016

I mourn the passing of an esteemed colleague, an admirable, brilliant and fearless woman. Thank you, Sen. Miriam. May you rest in peace.

— loren legarda (@loren_legarda) September 29, 2016

.@senmiriam - a brilliant legal mind, a loving wife and mother, and a public servant – would be missed. https://t.co/pRVWTUQBrw pic.twitter.com/Rm5kAeNx0h

— Senator Nancy Binay (@SenatorBinay) September 29, 2016

The staff of Santiago is yet to announce the details of her interment.