Miriam Santiago pulls out of second leg of presidential debates

Presidential candidate Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago will not be attending the second-leg of the presidential debates to be held in Cebu City on Sunday.

In a statement, Santiago said she was recently accepted to undergo a clinical trial for a new, unnamed anti-cancer pill.

Santiago said she joined the international clinical trial to gain free access to the medication, which would otherwise cost reportedly half a million pesos every three weeks.

“I am very sorry to miss out on the debates, but it would be a disservice to the country if I forego the opportunity to get rid of my cancer completely and strengthen myself further to serve the Filipino people,” Santiago said.

Santiago explained that the trial, which is already ongoing, requires her to report daily in the hospital for outpatient radiation treatment.

Santiago said the trial will run just “for a short period,” thus she aims to join the third and last debate set on April 24 in Pangasinan, “if the ongoing treatments do not inhibit me."

Binay wishes Miriam well

One of Santiago's rivals for the presidency, Vice President Jejomar Binay, wished her well.

"Sen. Miriam Santiago has been a fighter since our student council days at the University of the Philippines. I wish her well and pray for her fast recovery," Binay said in a statement.

"I am sure that all of the presidential candidates will miss her presence in the upcoming debate," he added.

Stage 4 lung cancer

It was in July 2014 when Santiago announced that she was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. However, in October last year, a few days before the filing of certificates of candidacy, she said her cancer cells have already regressed due to her advanced medication.

During the first leg of the Pilipinas Debates 2016 held in Cagayan De Oro City on February 21, Santiago was noticeably catching her breath while speaking. She was also seen on TV consistently sitting in between takes and after her turn to speak.

Her husband, former Interior undersecretary Narciso “Jun” Santiago Jr. however, explained that this was due to the senator’s pinched nerve, also referred as nerve compression, on her back, which is usually characterized with sharp pain especially during sudden movements.

Mr. Santiago maintained that other than her pinched nerve, his wife is doing well.

Miriam had repeatedly maintained that she will not quit from the presidential race despite her health condition and poor pre-election survey ratings.

Santiago has been ranking last among the five presidential candidates in recent poll surveys. — NB/RSJ, GMA News