A bill seeking to rename the Agham road and BIR road in Quezon City after late former senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has been filed by three lawmakers in the lower house.
In the explanatory note of House Bill No. 6576, proponents Antonio ‘Tonypet’ Albano, Juan Carlos ‘Arjo’ Atayde, and Marvin Rillo said renaming the two roads after Santiago is “fitting recognition of her remarkable efforts and contributions that benefited the Filipinos and the nation as a whole.”
The lawmakers noted that the former senator who earned the titles “incorruptible lady”, “dragon lady”, and “iron lady of Asia” dedicated her life to public service.
In the measure, they cited that Santiago brought honor and pride to the Philippines when she became the first Filipino and first Asian to be elected as a judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“In the executive branch, Senator Defensor-Santiago served as Commissioner of Immigration and Secretary of Agrarian Reform,” the Solons said.
“In the legislative branch, she was the three-term senator known for her unquestionable integrity and her crusade against corruption,” they added.
The three lawmakers also cited that the late senator also received the highest distinct awards including Magsaysay Award for Government and the Quezon Service Cross.
“In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this is earnestly sought,” they said.
In September 2016, Santiago died at age of 71 after battling lung cancer.
