After being absent for impeachment trial, Miriam says: 'I'm ready to rumble'

(UPDATED 10:50 a.m.) - After a week-long absence, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has returned to the Senate and will be attending the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona starting this week. On her Twitter account, Santiago said: "Thanks to all of you who sent me well-wishes and prayed for my health. I'm ready to rumble."

 

Santiago had been absent from the Senate since it resumed session last January 16, which was also the start of the impeachment proceedings, due to hypertension.

 

"I am unable to discharge my duties because of the attendant dizziness, headache and nausea," she earlier said, adding that she would resume her duties as soon as her hypertension subsides.

 

On Tuesday, her media relations officer Tom Tolibas confirmed that she will be attending the impeachment proceedings.

 

As of posting time, Santiago is still inside the Senate plenary hall attending the legislative session of the chamber, where she was formally commended for winning a seat in the International Criminal Court (ICC).

 

The ICC is the independent body that prosecutes individuals for crimes aainst humanity and war crimes.

 

The Senate specifically adopted Senate Resolution 74, which commends Santiago for winning the seat and topping the ICC judge election.

 

"Sana ay ipagpatuloy mo ang magagandang ginawa nito doon sa pupuntahan mo at wala kaming kaduda-duda na ganun nga ang mangyayari," Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said during Tuesday's Senate session.

 

Santiago will have to vacate her senatorial post to assume the ICC seat.  However, she said that she will still be able to participate in the impeachment trial of Corona because she will only take oath in March and won't be summoned right away. — Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ/VVP, GMA News