Sen. Santiago lands on inspiring women’s list

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago has scored a double feat after landing on the list of a website’s most inspiring women and a search engine’s list of most influential women in the Philippines.

The veteran senator was named with nine other Filipino women as recipients of the Womanity Award from Female Network.com, her office said in a statement.

The award, whose announcement of winners coincided with International Women’s Day on March 8, recognizes women for their inspiring stories in various fields.

Santiago was described as a crusader against corruption in government who had served as a lawyer, trial court judge, immigration commissioner and agrarian reform secretary before becoming a senator.

“Her efforts in and out of the Senate have earned her international recognition,” the award said.

The other awardees were Lea Salonga, Charice Pempengco, Jessica Sojo, Ana Julaton, Liz Uy, Raquel Fortun, Bing Sibal Limjoco, Daphne Oseña Paez and Tweetie de Leon Gonzales.

Close on the heels of the Womanity Awards, Santiago landed on Google’s list of the Top 20 Most Influential Filipinas of 2010, which included Philippine Daily Inquirer business reporter Doris Dumlao. (report from TJ Burgonio, Philippine Daily Inquirer)