Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago suffered from hypertension, causing some of the blood vessels in her right eye to burst, an ophthalmologist said in a statement issued by Santiago’s office on Wednesday.
The statement said Santiago’s blood pressure was 190/115.
“Apparently, Santiago has developed hypertension after appearing on the early morning TV show, ‘Headstart’ (on ANC) with host Karen Davila,” the statement said.
“During the interview, Santiago was visibly agitated when she accused Enrile of making personal attacks on her over the controversial P2.2-million that was given to each senator last year,” the statement added.
After the interview, Santiago stayed for photo ops with members of the TV staff, “her right eye noticeably red with blood clot around the pupil.”
Santiago has been advised to rest her eye and continue with her medication, said the statement.
Responding to Enrile’s accusations that she has always been absent during Senate sessions, Santiago said during the TV interview it was because of her hypothyroidism and hypertension.
“It’s below the belt to attack me on the basis of my ailments. That is un-Christian and beyond the bounds of play,” Santiago said.