Art and Culture
Miriam launches book on her 70th birthday
Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s latest book is a sequel to her hit book “Stupid is Forever” (Photo courtesy of Umagang Kay Ganda facebook page)
MANILA — Following the success of Stupid is Forever, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago today launched Stupid is Forevermore, the second installment in her best-selling collection of jokes, quotes, and anecdotes.
Santiago released the book in time for her 70th birthday. Stupid is Forevermore is produced by ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. and distributed exclusively by National Book Store.
“I was pleasantly surprised with the strong public support for Stupid is Forever, so I decided to publish a second book,” she said.
The first book has sold more than 350,000 copies so far, according to National Book Store.
Like Stupid is Forever, the 140-page Stupid is Forevermore highlights Santiago’s sharp wit and sometimes dark humor. The longest chapter in the second book, “Overheard at the Senate,” is culled from her privilege speeches and press conference transcripts.
“We should never underestimate the power of humor, especially among Filipinos, and most especially in politics. When the debates turn ugly or the legalese is too hifalutin, humor is a way for us all to see eye to eye,” Santiago said.
She nonetheless urged the public to remain wary of politicians who always resort to jokes in order to evade serious questions. “Humor has its limits; those who overly use it show that they should not be taken seriously as public servants,” the senator said.
Santiago remains on medical leave due to lung cancer, stage four, but continues to fulfill her duties on a priority basis.
She has recently presided over hearings on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, the Bangsamoro Basic Law, and six treaties for Senate concurrence.
The senator also interpellated on the Mamasapano clash, which killed dozens of elite policemen, armed members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and civilians in the area. Santiago remains the senator who filed the most number of bills and resolutions.
