Santiago may be best bet, say cancer survivors

NEVER SAY DIE After recovering from stage 4 lung cancer, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago goes all in with another make-or-break run for the presidency. She unveiled her political plan at the relaunch of her book, “Stupid is Forevermore.” KIMBERLY DELA CRUZ

SEN. MIRIAM Defensor-Santiago has found an ally in an antismoking group in her bid for the presidency amid doubts about her health.

In a statement Sunday, the New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP), an organization of throat cancer survivors, said surviving the deadly disease should not take away Santiago’s right to run for president in next year’s elections.

“Cancer survivors and victims should not be discriminated [against],” said NVAP president Emer Rojas, a former chain smoker who lost his vocal chords to laryngeal cancer.

“Yes, one’s health is a primary concern but as long as cancer survivors manifest good health, they are entitled to their right to suffrage on equal basis with others,” said Rojas, also a global cancer ambassador.

The NVAP issued the statement after an open letter to Santiago by Dr. Sylvia Estrada Claudio of the University of the Philippines-Center for Women’s Studies circulated on social media, urging the senator to release her medical records to show that her stage 4 lung cancer had been cured.

In her letter, Claudio said that if Santiago “did not receive a miracle, there is a great probability that you will not survive your six-year term should you win [the presidential election].”

Santiago declined to take on Claudio’s challenge, citing her right to privacy.

Rojas said there was no reason to doubt Santiago’s claims, as there have been medical advancements that made some cancers curable.

“Cancer is no longer a dreaded disease. It should not be feared as it is now curable under the right conditions, such as early detection and proper medical care,” he said.

Rojas added that instead of questioning Santiago’s capability to run for the presidency, Filipinos, particularly health advocates, should rally behind the senator because “she could be the best bet for president, [as she] has a clear program on public health.”

“Senator Santiago believes in good health. She may be an ideal bet since she understands how hard it is to be sick. She could very well be a very good advocate of good health,” he said.

Stressing his point, Rojas pointed out that Santiago was the principal author of Senate Bill No. 3249, An Act Restructuring the Excise Taxes on Alcohol and Tobacco Products, one of the forerunners of the sin tax law.

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