Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago has Stage 4 lung cancer

On Wednesday, July 2 at around 11:00 a.m. at the Senate’s Sumulong Room, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago announced, “I have cancer of the lungs, which makes it hard for me to breathe.”

Not one to wax sentimental even about such a scary health issue, Santiago joked, “I have come so you can me personally before cancer ravages my body.” After reiterating that she doesn’t smoke or drink, Santiago then said, “I hope to see you in six weeks recovered, after going through treatment. When I go into remission, I might announce my candidacy for president for 2016 unless God gives me another disease.”

“Santiago added that the cancer is not metastatic, and she is hopeful that with the medication she is taking, the cancer can be cured in six months,” reports GMAnetwork.com. Santiago said the cancer has made it difficult to breathe, especially when giving speeches. The senator has been on medical leave since 2010, “although she has delivered speeches in various events over the past few months.”

READ: Janet Lim Napoles got schooled: 7 killer quips from Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago 

In the mean time, the good Senator’s been tweeting about her sickness. Some are lined with wisdom, others laced with black comedy, all awesome Twitter read. See below:

“I ask the man who stood at the gate of the year. Give me a light so that my feet can see a known way…” #MiriamFight

— Miriam Santiago (@senmiriam) July 2, 2014

God never asks us for an opinion.God just goes ahead and does whatever is in his hands. I just say okay. #MiriamFight

— Miriam Santiago (@senmiriam) July 2, 2014

I am very happy with the life I have lived. #MiriamFight

— Miriam Santiago (@senmiriam) July 2, 2014

When I go into remission, I might announce my candidacy for president for 2016 unless God gives me another disease #MiriamFight

— Miriam Santiago (@senmiriam) July 2, 2014

I hope to see you in six weeks recovered, after going through treatment. #MiriamFight

— Miriam Santiago (@senmiriam) July 2, 2014

I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. #miriamfight

— Miriam Santiago (@senmiriam) July 2, 2014

I have come so you can me personally before cancer ravages my body. #MiriamFight

— Miriam Santiago (@senmiriam) July 2, 2014

*Screengrab from Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago’s Twitter page



Reader Interactions

Leave A Reply


BECOME A COCO+ MEMBER

Support local news and join a community of like-minded
“Coconauts” across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.

Join Now
Coconuts TV
Our latest and greatest original videos
Subscribe on