Miriam Santiago taken to Makati Medical Center; now in ICU

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, who is currently undergoing treatment for lung cancer, was rushed to the Makati Medical Center on Monday, her office revealed on Wednesday.

Quoting Santiago's husband former Interior Undersecretary Narciso "Jun" Santiago, the senator's staff said she was transferred from her private room to the intensive care unit on Tuesday night.

"Jun said that Miriam is bearing well with her trademark sense of humor," the statement said.

According to Santiago's husband, visitors are not allowed and that gifts will not be accepted, such as flowers and other blooms.

The senator, who ran for president in May but lost, also thanked her family, friends, supporters, fans, and others who helped pray for her recovery and sent their well-wishes on social networking site Facebook.

Santiago was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in June 2014, after months of suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

Last week, the senator told the Senate leadership that she was extending her medical leave after she developed anorexia (an eating disorder) due to an anti-cancer pill.

"One of the medications [for cancer] has produced as side effect of anorexia, which renders me physically weak," Santiago said in her letter to Senate President Franklin Drilon dated May 24.

Santiago's third term as senator ends on June 30.

In a statement, Santiago’s running mate in the recent elections, Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., hoped for her immediate recovery.

“We join the whole nation in praying for the immediate recovery of Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago,” Marcos said.

 “Senator Santiago has proven to be a relentless fighter against corruption and incompetence in government all throughout her career. It is our hope that she again wins this fight and be on her way to full recovery,” he added. —NB, GMA News