I first ran for president in 1992, against politicians who had at their disposal both money and machinery. I, on the other hand, only had the will of the people behind me. #ThrowbackThursday #MiriamFight
Posted by Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago on Thursday, October 8, 2015
Is Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago joining the 2016 presidential derby?
A day after posting a quote in a photo hinting that she may vie for the presidency in next year’s polls, Santiago on Thursday posted on Facebook a video of her speech when she ran for president in 1992.
“I first ran for president in 1992, against politicians who had at their disposal both money and machinery. I, on the other hand, only had the will of the people behind me,” Santiago said in the description of the 40-second video.
READ: Miriam Santiago hints at presidential bid
The speech goes: “I warn the politicians in the strongest terms—do not threaten me with your protected bribery, cheating or even black propaganda. I shall run for president or I shall die in the attempt. I shall prevail or I shall perish. And if the trapos (traditional politicians) cheat me in the elections, I will never concede.”
Santiago lost to former president Fidel V. Ramos in the hotly contested race.
As of writing, the video has garnered more than 36,800 likes and 4,600 shares.
Netizens expressed support for Santiago in the video’s comments section, saying they would vote for her if she decided to run for president again.
“Madam, I was in grief knowing you were cheated that day. I voted for you! If only I can vote a thousand times, I could have!” said Marife Fesarit.
“If Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago will run for president, I’ll be the first one to vote for her, no doubt,” said Arthur Serrano Abulencia.
The feisty senator on Wednesday posted a quote graphics with the text, “I’m not going to be coy. Society leaders have urged me to seek the presidency. I can rise to the occasion.”
Santiago, who has given up her post as elected judge of the International Criminal Court and is currently on medical leave at the Senate, is battling Stage 4 lung cancer.
In August last year, Santiago said she has “licked cancer” and may run for president in 2016. Yuji Vincent Gonzales/RC
READ: I’ve licked cancer, I may run for president–Santiago