Senator Santiago absent as impeachment trial resumes

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago is absent on the eight day of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Corona since she is again suffering from hypertension, an indicative she said of a “possible stroke.”

“This is to respectfully inform that I shall be absent in today’s session of the impeachment court because of hypertension,” Santiago said in her letter to Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile dated January 30, 2012.

“This morning, after getting up from bed, my blood pressure was registered at 180/100. After medication, it is now 160/90,” she said.

“These figures constitute the basis for continuing diagnosis of hypertension, indicative of a possible stroke. Hence, I have to stay at home,” the senator added.

Santiago’s attendance in last week’s trial was highlighted by a number of times where she lost her cool over some members of the prosecution.