Miriam makes presidential bid official

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED 2:44 p.m.) — Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago on Friday joined other presidential aspirants as she filed her certificate of candidacy for president.

The senator, who has suffered from cancer  will run for president independently. However, she earlier confirmed that Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will be her running mate.

"I am going to run under People's Reform Party," Santiago said.

"Third time's always a charm," Sen. Miriam Santiago says on another bid for president on Friday, Oct. 16, 2015. Philstar.com / Jonathan Asuncion

She said she will rely on the votes of the the younger generation, the Millennials, and her popularity on social media.

LIVE UPDATES: 2016 candidates at Comelec

Santiago expressed her intent to seek the highest national post in the country in July after she has beaten her cancer. She also earlier announced that she plans to run alongside Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., who is running for vice president.

On October 7, Santiago hinted another presidency by posting on her social media accounts photos indicating that she was urged to run for president.

“I’m not going to be coy. Society leaders have urged me to seek the presidency. I can rise to the occasion,” Santiago said.

Santiago first ran for president in 1992.

LIVE list: Aspirants for national posts