Miriam running for president in 2016, if…

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago will run for president in 2016.

Speaking at a youth forum at Ateneo de Manila University yesterday, Santiago said when “I am rid of my lung cancer,” she intends to “claim the presidency that I won in 1992.”

“I can impose on Philippine politics what we need so badly: internal discipline, a defined vision and policy agenda,” she said.

Her announcement elicited applause from the students attending the forum.

Santiago said she recognizes the advent of information technology revolution via social media.

However, it cannot be a substitute for organization and discipline in winning elections, she added.

As to her possible running mate, Santiago said: “No, I don’t really know.”

Santiago said if elected president, her Cabinet would consist of 50 percent from the youth sector and the other half from the senior citizen sector.

A big political party support is needed, along with massive financial capability and broad mass base to win a presidential election, she added.

Santiago said she is willing to enter into a coalition with the Liberal Party and the Nacionalista Party.

“All these things will have to jibe together, you know,” she said.

“It’s not a question of merely wishing for it and having it come true. There is a big group of campaign contributors who believe as firmly as I do, that it is time for authentic change in our country. They can group together their resources and make a survey on who the Filipino public want for me to get as vice presidential candidate,” she said.

Santiago said she cannot win the election through her People’s Reform Party alone.