Iloilo city: A monument is being pushed to be erected in the La Paz district for the late Ilongga senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. During the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) on Wednesday, Councilor Rex Marcus Sarabia sponsored what he calls a ‘people-initiated resolution’ urging Mayor Raisa Tre±as to recognize the late senator and requested that a statue be erected in her image.

According to Philippines News Agency, the resolution cited that Santiago, fondly remembered as the “Iron Lady of Asia,” brought honor and distinction not only to her hometown but the country for her brilliance, courage, and integrity. “Senator Santiago distinguished herself as one of the most accomplished public servants in the Philippines, having served the three branches of the government as a Presiding Judge of a Regional Trial Court, as Commissioner of the Immigration and Deportation, and as Senator of the Republic, earning national and international recognition for her fight against corruption, her legal expertise and her eloquent advocacy for truth and justice,” the resolution read.

She was also the first Filipino and Asian from a developing country to be elected as a judge for the International Criminal Court. “Her unwavering dedication to good governance, rule of law, education and public accountability continues to inspire generations of Filipinos, particularly the youth who affectionately remember her sharp wit, wisdom and unparalleled insolence,” the resolution added.

It added that her life and legacy are a source of pride and inspiration for Iloilo, especially to the people of the La Paz district, where she spent her formative years. Sarabia said amid the ongoing issues in the national government relating to flood control projects, there is a need to draw inspiration from the Ilongga leader to fight what is right and against corruption.

The resolution generated a unanimous response from the city council.