Miriam makes long pauses, frequently assisted during last debate

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago fell in slight yet noticeable pauses in the third and last leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 on Sunday.

During her turn for a 30-second "supplemental period," which is provided for candidates to add to their answers or for rebuttal, Santiago stopped for about eight seconds.

She then asked the debate moderator, Karen Davila, "Will you repeat the question, please?"

The presidential candidates were asked how they will help protect Filipino workers affected by contractualization.

After Davila's instructions, Santiago said she wouldn't counter her opponents' statements. Instead, she pointed out that she wanted "to put on record what I have to say earlier that I am vehemently against contractualization."

"It violates the security of tenure of an employee and places him under the power of an employer who needs only to threaten to replace him with a union member," she said.

She added, beyond the time limit: "I am also in favor of lowering both income and corporate taxes."

Though apparently stronger than how she was during the first leg of the Commission on Elections-initiated presidential debates in Cagayan de Oro City, the senator was still frequently assisted in walking and sitting by Vice President Jejomar Binay.

She would take the seat provided behind the podium whenever it is not her turn to speak.

During commercial gaps, she would be assisted down the stage, where her husband also approached her.

The senator made another long pause as she was discussing how she will fight terrorism in Mindanao.

After saying she will dismantle private armies, and when she was about to make her second proposal the senator paused for about nine seconds before closing her eyes and then proceeded with discussing the possible adoption of the Muslim's customary, traditional laws.

It was Santiago's second appearance in the three-part presidential debates series.

She missed the second leg, held in Cebu City, because she participated in a clinical trial for an anti-cancer drug.

Santiago, who has been the least visible among presidential candidates, returned to the campaign trail this month, telling supporters, "I'm perfectly normal now."

She also vowed to raise the last leg of the debates "to a higher level" with discussion on domestic issues and international policies. —with Amita Legaspi/ALG, GMA News