Recovering from cancer, Miriam eyes presidency in 2016

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago said on Wednesday that she may run for president in 2016 now that she is about to overcome her stage 4 lung cancer.

Santiago said the St. Lukes Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City issued a report on August 12 which revealed that the tumor in her left lung has regressed or has become smaller.

"The latest lab test shows that the cancer cells are waving a white flag. During this time, I only have to work on my stamina," Santiago said.

"I have licked cancer, and I'm actually thinking of several career options. By 2016, I will be disqualified by law to seek another term as senator," she also said.

Santiago said she will consider running for president in 2016 if there are enough "like-minded" supporters led by constitutionalist Fr. Joaquin Bernas.

In a television interview on Tuesday, Bernas said President Aquino should no longer seek a second term and give other leaders a chance, such as Santiago.

The senator said she is ready to accept the challenge.

"I'm not going to be coy. Society leaders have urged me to seek the presidency. I can rise to the occasion, although I was following the other sign posts on the road to recovery," she said.

But unlike in her first presidential bid in 1992 under her own political party, Santiago admitted that she will need to coalesce with one or both among the Liberal Party and the Nationalista Party headed by former Senator Manny Villar.

"After I was diagnosed with cancer, Sen. Manny went to my house and told me, among other things, that my popularity level is very high. But he also said that he is encouraging several hopefuls to raise their survey ratings," Santiago said.

Santiago was diagnosed with cancer last June and was placed on medication called Tarceva for six weeks.