Ian Alfredo Magno IN the wake of Senate investigations, committee hearings, privileged speeches, Trillanes’ hecklings and Matobato’s lies, we note sighs of discontent that if only Sen. Miriam were here, these chums would certainly get a lashing from the moon and back. Certainly, Sen. Miriam’s impeccable sarcasm and pure wit seem to dismiss others in a room quiver like neophytes and look like idiots. A master wielder of forceful words; it would be tough trying to condense her persona on a piece of paper. Hence, in honor and in memory of the late Sen. Miriam, who has no known equal in the realm of public discourse, we dedicate this article to relive her vibrant life through her own words. Below is a selection of timeless quotes culled from the net as delivered by, which reveals the resilient character beneath that strong facade of, our beloved senator. Enjoy. “Handbags, I don’t at all like them because they occupy my hands.  My hands always have to be ready in case I need to slap somebody.” (during an interview with GMA News TV’s Powerhouse in 2012­) “Head-bashing is the best strategy.  Sometimes I have to splatter their brains on the pavement.” (on being asked the best way to fight corrupt officials) “I always put myself in harm’s way because that’s where I am most effective.” (saying that she will go lengths for justice) “I eat death threats for breakfast.” “Sir, I remind you that as the Commissioner of Immigration and Deportation, I represent the majesty of the Republic of the Philippines. You have the obligation to show respect and courtesy to me. Now shut up, or I'll knock your teeth off!” (Sen. Miriam telling an arrested foreigner to shut up when he interrupted her during a press conference) “Anong tawag kapag nagtapon ka ng basura sa dagat?  Sagot: Pollution.  Ano naman ang tawag kapag tinapon mo sa dagat ang mga pulitikong kurakot? Sagot: Solution” (pork barrel punch lines) “Tell the truth before the senators have you assassinated.” (telling pork barrel queen Janet Napoles to name names) “God is neither up above nor out there. Instead, God is found in here.  In the human mind, in the human conscience. That is why, you are not only graduating with a bachelor’s degree today, you are graduating to a place nearer where God is. Because God is in here. God is in you.” (during a commencement speech at the UP Cebu in 2014) “A true teacher does not terrorize ignorant students, because a true teacher knows that it is his job to cure ignorance.” (on education) “They should be chopped into a thousand pieces and fed to the sharks in Manila bay. But it is problematic whether the sharks will eat them, out of a sense of professional courtesy.” (her comment about corrupt immigration employees) “Those who like me – raise your hand.  For those who don’t, raise your standards.” “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?  Saying ‘I delegated the authority but did not delegate the responsibility,’ or some such words?  You should hear yourself talk!” (to PNP Chief Purisima on the Fallen 44 Mamasapano Massacre) “They were not only rebellious, they were malicious to boot. Naturally I got mad, but I restrained myself. No, I did not throw a chair at my employees. The accurate statement is that I may have rearranged the furniture.” (on accusations she threw a chair at some immigration employees who wanted here removed) “If he’s brave, he should switch place with me. He should be funny and I’ll be the asshole.” (challenging fellow Senator Juan Ponce Enrile for his alleged role in the pork barrel scam) “Pinagpapaskil nyo ang mga pagmumukha nyo sa Edsa.  Ang papangit nyo!” (lambasting politicians for their excessive ad endorsements) “I am surrounded by idiots!” (her description of the members of the Commission on Appointments which was accidentally overheard) “I will exterminate them from the face of the earth!” (to DAR employees who called for her ouster after she implemented reforms in wake of her predecessor’s land-pricing anomaly) Indeed none has brought so much color in the halls of the Philippine Senate than the late Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago.  In the latter part of her career, Sen. Miriam released her book “Stupid is Forever” followed by “Stupid is Forevermore” which exude with a kaleidoscope of wits, so to speak.  My daughter Gabbie, who is still in the 5th grade is in fact fond of the book.  When she learned about Sen. Miriam’s demise, I could tell by the look in her eyes that Gabbie was somehow saddened by the news. On a personal note I, too, share the same sentiment. The country lost a strong leader in you madam Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago. May you now rest in the eternal goodness of our Creator. (Lawyer Ian Alfredo T. Magno is an associate at Atty. Francis U. Ku & Associates, and is deputy legal officer at Philhealth. E-mail: ianalfredom@gmail.com)