The camp of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said yesterday that the feisty lawmaker who is undergoing treatment for lung cancer is feeling better now.
In an emailed statement, the office of the senator said Miriam is expected to return soon from the Intensive Care Unit to her private room at the Makati Medical Center where she was rushed by ambulance last Monday.
“Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago is feeling better now. She is scheduled to return from ICU to a private room. Further updates will be announced by her office soon. Thank you,” the statement said.
Last Wednesday, Miriam’s camp said the senator, who is sick and suffered complications from lung cancer, was taken to the MMC for treatment Monday. On Tuesday night, she was transferred from her private room to the ICU.
Her husband, Narciso “Jun” Santiago, said visitors were not allowed and that gifts would not be accepted, such as flowers and other blooms. Despite her ordeal, her husband said Miriam is coping well “with her trademark sense of humor.”
The senator is also thankful to all her family, friends, supporters, fans, and others who helped pray for her recovery and sent their well-wishes on Facebook.
Miriam had informed Senate leaders she intends to extend her medical leave after developing anorexia, which she said is the side effect of the anti-cancer pill she is taking.
She ran and lost for president in the last election.
Miriam in July 2014 announced she has Stage 4 lung cancer and had complained of chronic fatigue syndrome and has taken a leave of absence from her senatorial duties before the announcement.
She was elected judge of the International Criminal Court in December 2011 but later announced that she is resigning from the post because of her illness.
Miriam’s running mate in the last elections, Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., has called on Filipinos to pray for her immediate recovery.
“We join the whole nation in praying for the immediate recovery of Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago,” Marcos said.
He said Miriam has proven to be a relentless fighter against corruption and incompetence in government all throughout her career. “It is our hope that she again wins this fight and be on her way to full recovery,” he said. (Hannah L. Torregoza and Freddie G. Lazaro)