Miriam seeks extended medical leave

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago has sought an extension of her “qualified medical leave” to focus on her treatment for lung cancer.

In a letter to her colleagues, Santiago said the Civil Service Commission had advised her to apply for the extended qualified medical leave since she is still unable to report for work.

“I am now in the process of medication with a modern tablet version of chemotherapy,” read the letter.

“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.”   

Santiago said qualified medical leave means that “the Senate should continue to authorize me to carry out my duties, when allowed by my doctors and by my physical medical condition.”

Since last year, Santiago has not reported for work because of chronic bone marrow disorder and a high cholesterol level.

Middle of last year, she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, which prompted her to go on an extended medical leave.

Out of 83 plenary sessions in the Senate, Santiago was only able to attend three because of her condition.

Last July 2, Santiago announced that she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and has to undergo treatment.

Santiago said her doctors would make an assessment of her condition at the end of the month to see if her current treatment has been effective.

“If it does, I shall be good as new,” she said.

“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.

“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.”

Santiago has resigned as a judge of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands even before she was diagnosed with cancer.