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Friday, March 29, 2024

Santiago rejects call to present medical clearance

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SENATOR Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Tuesday rejected a doctor’s request that she release her medical records to prove she has been cured of Stage 4 lung cancer and is fit to run for President  next year.

Sylvia Estrada Claudio, in an open letter to Santiago circulated in the social media, asked her to make public her medical records, saying there was a great possibility she would not be able to serve for six years if she won the election.

In a phone patched interview at the Senate, Santiago said Claudio might just be out to ruin her presidential campaign. She said the burden of proof was not on her but on Claudio.

“It seems like she was saying it’s my burden to prove that I’m healthy for the presidency,” Santiago said. 

“If that’s the case, all those who are running can be asked aside from his or her health such issues like do you have mental health issues? Do you have financial issues?

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“Now if she wants to she can go to St. Luke’s Global in Makati and she can formally ask there in writing.’’

Santiago said she had records at the hospital and a panel of doctors to prove that she was there almost every week for treatment while she was suffering from Stage 4 lung cancer.

Santiago said she had already licked her cancer when she announced her bid for the presidency last week. She said she had been regularly going to St. Luke’s Medical Center in the Global City for treatment and check-ups for the past year and a half. 

“What did she mean I didn’t have cancer? Then why was I absent for one and half years [from the Senate]?” Santiago said.

In her open letter, Claudio said that while she recognized the value of confidentiality between doctor and patient, she said Santiago “broke” part of the deal when she announced her illness for which she “got admiration and political mileage.”

“There is no clear demarcation when the public’s need to know exceeds your right to confidentiality. But as a physician and as a concerned citizen, I believe you tipped the balance when you filed your certificate of candidacy. Please release your medical records now,” Claudio said.

Due to their lack of resources, Santiago said, she and Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., her running mate, might go campaigning on their own although sometimes they might go together.

Santiago said she will draw strength from the Internet. She said the country would be much better off if she was elected President.

 

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