MANILA, Philippines – After losing in the presidential race, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s six-year term will end on June 30 and she will spend the last days of her term resting.
In a letter to Senate President Franklin Drilon, Santiago said she would continue her medical leave.
After last Monday’s legislative session, the Senate and House of Representatives have convened as the National Board of Canvassers set to proclaim the country’s next president and vice president.
Santiago, who announced that she had lung cancer in July 2014, has not been able to attend the Senate sessions for an extended period of time.
In her letter, she said she has developed anorexia, a side effect of one of the medications she has been taking for cancer.
She said the anorexia “renders me physically and mentally weak.”
“My staff and I shall be ready to vacate our offices by June 30,” she added.
Before learning that she had cancer, Santiago suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome, which prevented her from reporting for work at the Senate.