Palace praying for Senator Santiago’s health

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.  INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Following Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s revelation on Wednesday that she was suffering from lung cancer, a Malacañang official said they are hoping for her recovery.

“We are one with the people in praying for the health and recovery of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

“Despite her condition, she has devoted herself to the performance of her duties as a legislator and public servant,” he added.

Santiago said she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer last week. However, she said it is not spreading and has a high chance of being cured.

She even managed to joke about her condition, saying, “I don’t know what the reactions of my enemies are. Maybe they will be happy because on one hand I might die and then they could get rid of me. But on the other hand I might survive and then I will get rid of them.”

During the other half of her press conference, Santiago shared her thoughts on the Supreme Court’s decision declaring parts of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) unconstitutional. She supported the ruling and said Budget Secretary Florencio Abad should resign.

Santiago also said President Benigno Aquino III “can be impeached” though there is only a small possibility that it will prosper.

RELATED STORY

Miriam Santiago: ‘I got lung cancer’