Miriam says she’s ready to be the next president

(Photo from Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s Facebook page)

Manila—Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago last night asserted her dedication to be the next president of the Philippines despite concerns about the state of her health.

Sen. Defensor-Santiago, in a meet and greet with students at the U.P. Bahay ng Alumni in Quezon City, clarified that she has won her battle against cancer and is ready to win the 2016 presidential election.

“I tell you today, I have passed all the physical hardships known to man,” said Santiago.

“Do you want a clean government? Do you want a courageous government? If that is the case, do you want me (as your next president)?” Sen. Santiago asked the cheerful crowd.

Sen. Santiago spoke of corruption and the fight against it, citing the Senate as example of how easy it is to steal from the government.

Santiago gave photo opportunities to students and supporters who wore red in support of the senator.

Among the supporters present in the event is Cecile Ongpauco, mother of Heart Evangelista. Evangelista is a close friend of the senator. She is also married to Sen. Chiz Escudero who is running as vice-president in next year’s election.

“Senator Miriam and I are the closest of friends. She’s like my mentor, my hero. We’ve been close for many years,” said Ongpauco to GMA News Online.

Susan Ople, senatorial bet of the Nacionalista party and guest candidate in senatorial slate of the United Nationalist Alliance of Vice President Jejomar Binay also attended the event.

Throughout the event, Ople was repeteadly addressed as “a next senator”. Ople’s inclusion in Santiago’s senatorial slate has not been officially announced by the Senator’s camp. Vice Mayor Isko Moreno is the first and only senatorial candidate who has been officially included in Santiago’s slate.

Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., running-mate of Sen. Santiago was not present in the event.