Nagpaabot ng kanyang pakikiramay si Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa mga naulila ni dating Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
Kasalukuyang nasa Vietnam ang pangulo para sa kanyang dalawang araw na official working visit.
Ngayong araw, September 29, ay pumanaw ang mambabatas sa edad na 71.
Read: Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago dies at 71
Payahag ni Pangulong Duterte mula sa Hanoi, Vietnam, na idinaan sa official Facebook page ng Presidential Communications Office, “We express our deepest sorrow over the passing of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
“Senator Santiago has left a sterling career in public office.
“She is best remembered as a graftbuster ‘eating death threats for breakfast’ earning her the Iron Lady of Asia,”
“A constitutionalist, she has always been an advocate for the rule of law.”
Umaasa ang pangulo na ang mga naiambag ni Miriam sa bansa ay maging ehemplo ng mga Pilipino sa pagkakaroon ng maayos at matiwasay na lipunan.
Sabi pa ni Duterte, “Rest in peace, Madam Senator. May your legacy continue to guide this nation for many years to come.”
Matatandaang sa huling presidential debate para sa May 2016 elections, naging magalang si noo’y Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte kay Senator Miriam sa lahat ng antas ng debate.
Samantala, narito naman ang opisyal na pahayag ng Malacanang sa pagpanaw ni Miriam:
“Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago passed away this morning. She died peacefully in her sleep at her residence in La Vista.
“She was a shining light in Philippine political annals, for her sharp legal mind, uncompromising stand and acid humor.
“She had a profound influence on millenials and the youth - constantly challenging pre-conceived notions - political and social.
“Her passing signals the passing of an era of politicians with wide-ranging intelligence and the courage to express their true conviction.
“"We condole with the family and friends. Other details will be announced later.”