Miriam Santiago bares potential 2016 running mates

If Senator Miriam Santiago will pursue presidency in 2016, she has three bets for her running mates.

On top of her list is Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who is infamous for his iron-fist style of governance.

“I would love to run with Rudy Duterte. He would make an excellent VP for enforcement. Maybe we can make him change his mind,” Santiago told a press conference.

On Wednesday, Santiago left her sickbed to preside over a Senate committee hearing on Commission on Appointments but walked out after Ilocos Norte Representative Rodolfo Farinas questioned the quorum. She then proceeded to grant a press conference.

Santiago said she’s also eyeing 2010 Presidential candidate Gilbert Teodoro, or Senator Grace Poe, who topped the 2013 Senate polls.

“Maybe we can have two women running together, Miriam and Grace. It sounds like a restaurant…Miriam and Grace sounds so charming,” Santiago said.

Plans

“Every time I hear news on corruption, I want to become president of this feckless country,” she said.

But her intent to run for president remains hinged on her health. Santiago has lung cancer and although she’s recuperating, she noted that if she does not get well by the end of the year, she “will not run for any public office.”

If she won’t run for president, Santiago said she might join the International Advisory Council of a non-government organization or write a book in the U.S.

“I have many plans. Only my body is sick with cancer but not my brain,” Santiago also said.

“If I do not die of cancer, I will die from making a living because these cancer pills are so expensive,” she added.