MANILA (Updated) -- Former senator Miriam Defensor Santiago passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 71.
Santiago died at 8:52 a.m. while confined at the St. Luke's Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City.
“Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago died peacefully today at 8:52 a.m.,” according to the senator's official Facebook page. “We ask for your prayers as her family goes through this difficult time.”
Details of Santiago's interment is yet to be announced.
Meanwhile, Malacañang has extended its condolences and sympathies to the family of Santiago
“We condole with families and friends [of Santiago],” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella told reporters in an interview.
Abella said Santiago’s passing was a great loss as she had become a “shining light” in the Philippine politics.
He also complimented the former senator for her ability to engage the youth in political and social issues confronting the country.
“She (Santiago) was a shining light in Philippine political annals for her sharp legal mind and uncompromising stand and acid humor. She had a profound influence in millennials and the youth, constantly challenging preconceived notion both political and social,” Abella said.
“Her passing also signals the passing of an era of politicians with wide ranging intelligence and courage to express their true conviction,” he added.
Santiago, 71, reportedly died in her sleep on Thursday morning. It was confirmed based on the post uploaded on her official Facebook page.
Santiago announced in 2014 that she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer but claimed in 2015 that her cancer cells had regressed.
On May 31, Santiago was brought to the intensive care unit of the Makati Medical Center because of pneumonia she contracted, a complication of her lung cancer. Days after recuperating, she was sent home.
Santiago ran for president in the May 9 elections but was hardly seen in campaign sorties. She lost to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
She served as senator for three terms. Santiago, whose term as senator ends on June 30, had filed the highest number of measures, including the Anti-dynasty and Freedom of Information bills.
Santiago was also the one who instigated the Senate investigation on the alleged P10-billion pork barrel scam.
Prior to being a senator, she also became Immigration commissioner and Agrarian Reform Secretary. (Sunnex)