Miriam says cancer contained, eyes presidency

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Wednesday announced that the cancer growth in her lung ”has been arrested” and that she is now considering running for president.

In a statement, Santiago cited a recent presidential preference survey where she landed on the second spot, next to Senator Grace Poe and followed by Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Francis Escudero, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, and Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

Santiago, who took a stab at presidency in 1992 but lost to Fidel Ramos, said she is ”happily surprised” with the result of the survey.

“To remain in the consciousness of voters despite an absence of over a year is certainly a challenge, including remaining in public service. And I consider it in that light,” said Santiago, who is currently on indefinite leave because of lung cancer.

Santiago on several occasions hinted that she is considering running for president.

In August last year, she said she may run for president if she recovers from her lung cancer. She, however, said money for a possible campaign will be a concern.

In November of the same year, Santiago said should she become the country’s president, ”I intend to appoint a cabinet, half of whom shall be from the youth sector, and half from senior citizens.”

In the last Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey which was dominated by Sen. Poe, Santiago was named the seventh most preferred potential presidential bet, tied with Sen. Escudero with 4 percent.

In the latest Pulse Asia Survey, she landed on the fifth spot with 6 percent.

CANCER GROWTH ARRESTED

Santiago said according to her doctor, Mark Kris, the cancer growth in her left lung has been arrested.

”Kris said that although no patient can be pronounced cured of cancer, Santiago, while following the medical prescriptions of Kris, has been able to control the cancer, meaning that cancer growth in her left lung has been arrested,” her statement read.

Santiago had a consultation with Santiago and a her team of local doctors last Friday, July 17.

The doctors examined her PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and CT (Computed Tomography) Scans at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Global City.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com