MANILA - Former president Fidel Ramos has reached out to the family of his great political rival, former senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.

In a letter addressed to Santiago's husband, Narciso, Ramos gave credit to his ex-nemesis by calling her a "true soldier who fought fiercely for what she believed in, and died with her boots on, standing tall."

Santiago, who lost the presidency to Ramos in 1992, passed away Thursday after a long bout with lung cancer.

Ramos said Santiago "did not only live a full and meaningful life, but also did her substantial share in the service of God, country, and people," Ramos said.

Ramos also sympathized with the family in their time of grief.

"We hope that your sorrows will be assuaged by the thought that he soul now rests in the loving hands of the Almighty, our Lord and Savior, who will shower upon you His blessings and provide comfort during your days of bereavement," Ramos said in his letter, co-signed with wife Ming.

The former president ended his letter by saying that he and his family join Miriam's loved ones in praying for the eternal repose of the senator's soul.

Santiago lost to Ramos by less than one million votes during the 1992 presidential race. She later accused the former military general of cheating but her electoral protest was dismissed.

• READ: What if Miriam had become President?

She also lost the presidency to Joseph "Erap" Estrada in 1998, and to Rodrigo Duterte earlier this year.

Earlier, Santiago's other political foes such as former Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile, issued statements about her passing.

• RELATED STORY: Aguirre regrets failing to reconcile with Miriam

• ALSO READ: Narciso Santiago, Miriam's shock absorber