Screengrab from Storify
MANILA, Philippines–Netizens rallied behind Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
The hashtag #MiriamFight became a trending topic nationwide after Santiago disclosed her cancer.
“I love #MiriamFight hopefully this translates to better health literacy. And better health service! Take care, @senmiriam,” Twitter user Jacques Jimeno (@jacjimeno) said on her account.
A netizen said he felt so affected by Santiago’s illness that he cried when he read the announcement on social media:
“Literally cried over @senmiriam’s announcement. ?????????? #MiriamFight,” @RamuelAsturiano also said.
A Twitter user who used the name Bad Engineer wondered why Santiago coursed her announcement via Twitter, posting, “A lady who announces her Lung Cancer over at Twitter and cracks a joke over it has to be a strong hearted lady. #MiriamFight”
2016 vote
Ardyn Gonzales was direct to the point: “Makakaboto na pala ako sa 2016. Sana gumaling na si Sen. Miriam para makatakbo siya :( #MiriamFight”
“Kung sino pa yung isa sa natitirang tama sa gobyerno ng Pilipinas siya pa yung nagka-sakit. Haaay. #MiriamFight,” said a Twitter user who used the name @dreadAyin.
Another Twitter user compared Santiago’s condition to a popular movie. “Malay mo, si “Mr. E” pala ang Augustus Waters ni Sen. Miriam ala Hazel Grace Lancaster lol! Who knows ^_^ #MiriamFight,” tweeted John Paul Penuliar referring to the movie “The Fault in Our Stars.”
“We could have used the pork money to research for a possible cure of cancer. Too bad our legislative body chose to do the evil,” Johnny said on Inquirer.net.
Medical marijuana
A “lobbyist” for medical marijuana used Santiago’s condition as a ‘springboard’ for his cause: “Ma’am Miriam, baka pwedeng support mo na ang Medical Cannabis Bill.
“I’ve seen kids with cancer sa PGH and it’s not a pleasant spectacle. I’m sure makaka-relate ka sa kanila, the psychological and physical pain their parents are going through right now,” the lobbyist said.–Reports from Ramon H. Royandoyan and Denison Rey Dalupang
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