Miriam now out of ICU

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago was transferred from the intensive care unit to a regular private room at the Makati Medical Center (MMC) around midday yesterday after she was earlier confined for pneumonia.

The senator’s husband, former undersecretary Narciso Santiago Jr., said her condition has improved and doctors have allowed her to be placed in a regular room.

“She is improving. There is a good improvement,” he said in an interview. 

“She had difficulty in breathing due to pneumonia. Because of medications, she is now feeling better,” he said in Filipino.

Doctors have advised the senator not to receive visitors to avoid compromising her weak immune system. They also limited the senator’s movements so that she can rest well, Jun added.

The senator has regained some energy, which is why she has been talking a lot, the husband added.

Santiago’s office issued a second medical bulletin after the senator was confined last Monday due to complications from lung cancer. She is now in stable condition.

After Santiago was rushed to the MMC, a steady stream of visitors bearing presents soon gathered. However, hospital management forbade the visitors and the gifts.

Instead, the members of Santiago’s staff requested that the public express sympathy and compassion and send prayer cards to the senator’s official Facebook page.