Who Is Miriam Defensor Santiago? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Miriam Defensor Santiago was born on June 15, 1945, in the Philippines. She was a renowned political figure known for her fierce intellect and unwavering commitment to public service. Santiago served as a senator for several terms and was known for her advocacy on various social issues, including education, women's rights, and anti-corruption measures. Her courageous stand as a candidate in the 2016 presidential elections was a testament to her enduring spirit. Santiago's memoirs and legal writings continue to inspire many young lawyers and political aspirants across the nation.
| Occupation | Political Scientist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 15, 1945 |
| Age | 71 Years |
| Birth Place | Iloilo City, Philippines |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | Philippines |
| Date of death | 29 September, 2016 |
| Died Place | Taguig, Philippines |
Popularity
Miriam Defensor Santiago's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact figures regarding Miriam Defensor Santiago's height and weight may no longer be discussed openly given her passing, she was known for maintaining a poised and dignified presence. Her gravitas in public speaking and debate evidenced her robust personality, crucial for championing her causes with enthusiasm and conviction.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Miriam Defensor Santiago was married to fellow lawyer and politician, Narciso "Nicky" Santiago Jr. The couple shared a loving union for many years and often appeared together in public engagements. While there is limited publicly available information on her dating life prior to marriage, she was known for being intensely private about her personal relationships, focusing more on her professional endeavors.
From 1979 to 1980, Defensor Santiago served as Legal Officer of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees at Geneva, Switzerland. She was assigned to the Conferences and Treaties Section. She became skilled at treaty negotiation and drafting. She resigned her position when her father in the Philippines developed prostate cancer.
Net Worth and Salary
Before her death, Miriam Defensor Santiago's net worth was estimated to be in the range of several million pesos, reflective of her illustrious career across law, politics, and literature. As a senator, she earned a substantial salary, supplemented by her legal practice, written works, and speaking engagements. Her ability to monetize her expertise further contributed to her financial success.
In 2011, Defensor Santiago was elected as a judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC) which hears cases against humanity for former heads of state. She was the first Asian from a third-world country to be elected to such a post. She resigned in 2014 after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
She was one of the three senators who voted against the conviction of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona during his impeachment trial; Corona was ultimately found guilty for his failure to disclose to the public his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth.
Career, Business and Investments
Miriam Defensor Santiago's career spanned several sectors. Initially, she served as a trial court judge and later as the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration. Perhaps most notably, she served as a senator of the Philippines multiple times, further cementing her status as a legal expert and political strategist. Santiago's investments include real estate and various business ventures, although details remain scarce due to her private nature. Her influence extended beyond politics into academia, where she was a faculty member at prestigious institutions.
Defensor Santiago went on a fellowship to the United States, and earned the Master of Laws and Doctor of Juridical Science degrees at the University of Michigan. She finished both degrees in a period of only one and a half years. Following school, she took a position as special assistant to the Secretary of Justice.
She also taught political science at the Trinity University of Asia. She was law professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman, teaching evening classes for some ten years. Her hero as a lawyer and legislator growing up was Arturo M. Tolentino.
Social Network
Santiago had a significant presence on social media platforms prior to her passing, where she engaged with her followers on political issues, shared thoughts on current events, and promoted her literary works. Her legacy continues on platforms dedicated to her memory, as supporters and admirers celebrate her contributions to the Philippines and her role as a public servant.
In 2012, Defensor Santiago became the first Filipina and the first Asian from a developing country to be elected a judge of the International Criminal Court. She later resigned the post, citing chronic fatigue syndrome, which turned out to be lung cancer.
Education
Miriam Defensor Santiago graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of the Philippines Diliman, followed by a Bachelor of Laws from the same institution. She furthered her studies at the Cornell University Law School in New York, where she earned a Master of Laws degree. Santiago's educational journey greatly shaped her expertise in law and jurisprudence, empowering her to make impactful decisions throughout her career.
In conclusion, while Miriam Defensor Santiago may no longer be with us, her indelible mark on Philippine society persists. Her life and work are celebrated and serve as motivation for generations to come. Through her advocacy, intelligence, and charisma, she remains a beacon of hope and resilience for many Filipinos.
Miriam Palma Defensor-Santiago (June 15, 1945 – September 29, 2016) was a Filipino scholar, academic, lawyer, judge, author, stateswoman, and politician who served in all three branches of the Philippine government: judicial, executive, and legislative. She was named one of The 100 Most Powerful Women in the World in 1997 by The Australian.
Defensor Santiago was known for being a long-serving Senator of the Republic of the Philippines, an elected judge of the International Criminal Court, and the sole female recipient of the Philippines' highest national honor, the Quezon Service Cross.
