By PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA — Lawmakers from Western Visayas were surprised by Ilongga senator Miriam Defensor–Santiago’s revelation that she has stage four cancer of the left lung.
Iloilo 2nd District Rep. Arcadio Gorriceta told Panay News yesterday he did not expect Santiago to have cancer because she “just mentioned ‘fatigue’ as reason for being always absent.”
He admires the senator for giving “color and excitement in the Senate.”
Iloilo City’s Cong. Jerry Treñas said he was “shocked” when he learned about Santiago’s condition because “she looked well.”
“I am very sorry to hear that. Her sickness for a long time (has been) the basis for her leave of absence,” Treñas said.
Treñas said Santiago, a former regional trial court judge and resigned international judge of the International Criminal Court, has represented Iloilo City “very well” in the Senate.
Iloilo 5th District’s Cong. Niel Tupas Jr. and Negros Occidental 3rd District’s Cong. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez wished the senator well.
“I hope she overcomes the challenge,” Tupas told Panay News.
He said he thought Santiago was suffering only from chronic fatigue syndrome.
Her long-term illness, according to him, was evident during the impeachment trial of disgraced former chief justice Renato Corona.
Tupas served as head of the prosecution team of the House of Representatives. Santiago, on the other hand, voted for the acquittal of Corona.
Benitez said, “She (Santiago) has my prayers and (I) hope for (her) full recovery.”
Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares, a Negrense, said he is confident that the lady lawmaker “will fight the illness with guns blazing.”
Colmenares shared with Panay News that he lost his parents to cancer.
“I understand the pain and uncertainty that Senator Miriam (Santiago) and her family feel. But Senator Miriam is a strong person. We wish her speedy recovery,” he said.
Colmenares hopes Santiago can continue to “stand for truth and accountability” as regards the Disbursement Acceleration Program.
Former Ilonggo congressman Augusto “Boboy” Syjuco Jr., on the other hand, expressed sympathy for Santiago.
Syjuco, who served as Technical Education and Skills Development Authority secretary-general during the Arroyo administration, encouraged the supporters of the feisty senator to pray for her well-being.
“Magpangamuyo kita nga indi gid mabudlayan si Miriam sa pagpirdi nya sa cancer. With blessings halin sa aton Ginoo kag Mama Mary, magdaog gid sya. Mabuhay si Inday Miriam,” he said.
Meanwhile, fellow senators Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV, Nancy Binay and Serge Osmeña offered Santiago get-well-soon messages.
In a text message, Binay told Panay News that she believes Santiago can win her battle against lung cancer.
“Palaban naman si Senator Miriam. I will be praying for her successful treatment,” she said.
Trillanes, who considers Santiago a “friend” and “mentor,” said, “I believe most of our people were saddened by the news [that she has] cancer, but she managed to be humorous about the whole thing and it somehow softened the impact.”
Osmeña, for his part, said Santiago’s announcement was “very sad news.”
“I pray that Heaven will make her whole again,” said Osmeña./PN
