‘No way to treat a lady’

In case you didn’t know, there is now a long stretch of road that has been renamed after a feisty, controversial, feared but admired senator. The road formerly known as Agham Road that stretches from North Avenue, traversing through Quezon Avenue all the way to East Avenue, will now be called Senator Miriam P. Defensor Santiago Avenue.

Given how larger than life “Tita Miriam” was, you would think that they could have found a less non-descript road that constantly reminds Filipinos of tax obligations while passing in front of the BIR building. But then again, who would want their name and memory attached to a traffic infested road or one where corrupt individuals entrap motorists. I think she would have preferred to have a building in UP Diliman named after her than some unknown foreigner from the 1900s.

In any case, it was the thought that counts. Sadly, the effort to honor the late senator was not the noble workings of the current administration or legislators. Certain congressmen and senators may have affixed their signatures on the proposed bill, but most of the leg work, phone calls and persuasion came from family, friends and supporters of Tita Miriam. Given the length of time it took to pass the bill, you almost got the impression that some people gave their approval grudgingly.

In fact, there is a tinge of resentment from some because the proposed bill was not signed into law by President Bongbong Marcos but was simply allowed to lapse into law by the office of the Executive Secretary. Some are even wondering if President Bongbong Marcos ever got to see the proposed bill for his consideration.

For those of you who may not realize the distinction or fine points, signing the bill into law officially and formally completes the recognition and honor being extended in memory of the late senator. By merely letting the bill lapse into law gives the impression that the process was done in a half-hearted manner or done as a ministerial necessity, void of honor and respect.

How tragic that in life she was robbed of certain victories and now in death she is still robbed of the minute honor and recognition given for a lifetime of public service and contributions. As