Miriam Santiago extends sick leave, eyes cancer treatment in US

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Friday asked the Senate to allow her to have an extension of her “qualified medical leave.”

 

“I mean by this term that the Senate should continue to authorize me to carry out my duties, when allowed by my doctors and by my physical medical condition,” Santiago said in her letter to the Senate, through Senate President Franklin Drilon, and the senators.

 

Santiago was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

 

She said she first asked for qualified medical leave in 2012 when she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. She said she performed her duties as allowed by her illness and in fact, she submitted an accomplishment report at the end of the 16th Congress.

 

Santiago said she was now in the process of medication for her lung cancer with a modern tablet version of chemotheraphy.

 

“So far, it allows me to be mobile, with few side effects, such as weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath. Hence, since I am not in good health, I appeal to our colleagues to continue my qualified  medical leave,” she said.

 

The senator said by the end of July, her doctors will assess whether the cancer pill has succeeded in shrinking the cancerous mass.

 

“If it does, I shall be as good as new. If it does not, I will have to fly for further treatment under the world’s top lung cancer specialist. Dr. Ronald Natale, at Cedars Sinai Hospital, Los Angeles. He is following closely the developments in my case,” said Santiago.

 

“In brief, after about six weeks, I will either rise victorious from cancer or come back to my country in a horizontal position. As Socrates said, which is better, God only knows,” she added.

 

The senator said her staff keep her abreast of the Senate developments “particularly those where my modest experience and expertise might be useful.” —NB, GMA News