Aguirre regrets not reconciling with Miriam

MANILA, Philippines - For Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, former senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago was key to his prominence.

As he expressed sympathy to the passing yesterday of the popular senator, Aguirre lamented that he did not have a chance to thank Santiago and reconcile with her.

“I have much to thank her for what happened to my life after that unforgettable incident during the impeachment proceedings against former chief justice Renato Corona,” the Department of Justice (DOJ) chief said in a statement.

He was referring to the Feb. 29, 2012 hearing on Corona’s impeachment trial, where he served as private prosecutor while Santiago was senator-judge.

When Santiago was speaking during the hearing, Aguirre deliberately covered his ears and closed his eyes to keep out the senator’s “shrill voice” – obviously wanting to hear no evil and see no evil.

The act angered the senator, who branded it as “intergalactic act of epal.”

Though he initially defended his action, saying that like lawmakers, prosecutors also deserve respect, Aguirre eventually apologized on national television, which Santiago accepted.     

“We both have some faults that could easily be forgiven. My regret is that I had no opportunity to reconcile with her for the incident,” Aguirre said.

He added that the demise of the former senator, who succumbed to lung cancer yesterday, is a big loss to the nation.

“I console most sincerely with the family of Senator Miriam Santiago for her untimely demise. The country lost a great mind and an indefatigable leader and public servant,” he added.

The Supreme Court has also mourned the death of Santiago, who the high court said contributed so much to the legal profession in the country.

“The Supreme Court mourns with the nation the passing of former senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, offers its prayers for comfort for her loved ones and remembers her significant contributions to law: as scholar, professor, author and lawmaker,” the SC said in a statement.

At the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Commissioner Jaime Morente yesterday said he condoles with the family of Santiago, who also headed the agency during the term of former president Corazon Aquino.

During her term, Santiago reportedly ordered raids against criminal syndicates, including the Yakuza.

She was also the champion of the Alien Legalization Program.

“We will always remember the beloved senator as the feisty and fearless public servant who made controversial and brave statements, but never failed to charm the public with her witty, timely pick-up lines,” Morente said.

“We are truly honored and blessed to have known her. She may depart from earth, but she will always stay alive in the hearts and minds of the Filipino people whom she promised to serve ‘till her last breath.’”  – With Evelyn Macairan