Miriam to continue term on medical leave

MANILA, Philippines –  Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago on Tuesday said she will continue the remaining days of her term in the Senate on medical leave for cancer.

In a letter dated May 24, 2016 addressed to Senate President Franklin Drilon, Santiago said one of her medications gave a side effect that made her physically and mentally weak.

“This signifies that I shall continue on medical leave for cancer. One of the medications has produced a side effect of anorexia (inability to eat), which renders me physically and mentally weak,” Santiago’s letter read.

“In any event, my staff and I shall be ready to vacate our offices by 30 June 2016,” she added.

During the campaign season, Santiago said she is “perfectly normal” to dismiss allegations of her deteriorating health. However, she skipped the second presidential debate led by the Commission on Elections, saying she will join an international clinical trial for an anti-cancer pill.

Santiago also refused to release her medical records. She declared that she has beaten her lung cancer July 2015.

After losing her bid for the presidency, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago will finish the last days of her term resting pic.twitter.com/9Cd8M39Z0x

— Marvin Sy (@hey_marv) May 24, 2016