Miriam takes indefinite leave for health reasons

Pro-administration Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago notified the Senate leadership yesterday she was going on an "indefinite leave" for health reasons.

Santiago, who chairs the committees on energy and foreign relations, said she was advised by her doctor to take a sick leave after being diagnosed with symptoms of irregular heartbeat and hypertension.

"This sick leave is necessary because, in April last year, I suffered an ischemic event. To avoid a stroke, the doctor has prescribed home rest and possibly a trip abroad," Santiago said in a one-page letter sent to Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan.

Santiago also notified Rep. Alipio Cirilo Badelles, co-chairman of the power commission; and Rep. Antonio Cuenco, co-chairman at the Legislative Oversight for the Visiting Forces Agreement (LOVFA) and the Senate journal director.

Santiago’s presence at the Senate is significant because she is perceived to be a force to reckon with in terms of major issues in favor of the Arroyo administration, according to Senate observers.

Known for her witty and pointed remarks on various issues ranging from Charter change, the VFA, energy issues and international matters, Santiago said she could still be reached at her Quezon City residence should her vote or signature be "absolutely necessary" for Senate business.

Santiago also directed the Senate journal to indicate during roll call that the annotation read: "Senator Santiago is on indefinite leave on doctor’s advice."

Santiago is the second senator to go on indefinite leave during the present Congress, after Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr., chairman of the Senate committee on food and agriculture, who went on leave abroad to seek medical treatment.

Magsaysay led the inquiry into the P728-million fertilizer scam at the Department of Agriculture following allegations that the funds were misused by then agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn "Joc-Joc" Bolante and diverted to fund the campaign of President Arroyo in the 2004 elections. — Christina Mendez