Miriam: I’m ready to be the next president

MANILA, Philippines - Amid a cheering crowd of students of the University of the Philippines, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago last night affirmed her commitment to win the 2016 presidential elections amid concerns about her health. 

The feisty senator, who delivered a short statement before hundreds of her supporters in UP Diliman, stressed that she has overcome cancer and is ready to be the next president. 

“I tell you today, I have passed all the physical hardships known to man,” said the senator, who claimed to have licked stage four lung cancer.

Santiago further pumped up the crowd by asking if they want her to be the next president. 

“Do you want a clean government? Do you want a courageous government?” she asked the crowd gathered at UP Diliman’s Bahay ng Alumni. 

“If that is the case, do you want me (as your next president)?” she continued amid loud cheers of affirmation. 

The senator granted photo opportunities with her supporters, led by Nacionalista Party senatorial bet Susan Ople, a guest candidate in senatorial slate of the United Nationalist Alliance of Vice President Jejomar Binay. 

Ople was repeatedly identified as “a next senator” during the program, although the camp of Santiago has not formally announced her inclusion in their Senate slate. 

If confirmed, she will be the second senatorial candidate, following Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno. 

Also reported to have been in attendance was Cecilia Ongpauco, mother-in-law of Sen. Francis Escudero, a vice presidential candidate and running mate of Sen. Grace Poe.

“Senator Miriam and I are the closest of friends. She’s like my mentor, my hero. We’ve been close for many years,” she was quoted as saying in a GMA News Online report. 

Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who was previously announced as the running mate of Santiago, did not attend. 

Santiago, who is facing questions on her capability to lead the country due to her health condition, did not grant an interview following the event, which lasted for less than an hour.