Miriam slips from stage

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago hit her head on a wooden divider while stepping down from a makeshift stage in a hotel in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

Santiago’s staff member, Tom Tolibas, said contrary to what was relayed to him earlier yesterday, the senator did not need three stitches on the head, but only had a bump or “bukol” in Filipino.

Santiago fell and banged her head on the wooden divider when she lost her balance, after delivering a short message for her husband, Narciso, who had his birthday celebration at about 9:30 p.m. Monday at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel.

In a television interview, Narciso Santiago said the accident is not a “major thing” as his wife suffered only minor injuries.

Senator Santiago was brought to Cardinal Santos Medical Center in Greenhills where she was diagnosed with a minor contusion.

Tolibas said Santiago’s computed tomography scan showed she was okay and could rest at home. – Aurea Calica, Non Alquitran