We are puzzled by the news that Sen. Miriam Santiago has given up her seat in the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing “chronic fatigue syndrome” (“Citing poor health, Miriam gives up seat in int’l court,” 6/4/14). She has been complaining about that malaise since anyone can remember. She was already afflicted by it at the time she was vigorously campaigning for a seat in that world tribunal. But that did not stop her from chasing her dream.
In the Senate, she comes and goes as she pleases. Out of the blue, she would show up, deliver tirades and leave just as suddenly—using the same excuse. But she has had no problem trotting around the country for extended oratorical exertions and apparently having fun. She loves public adulation. There is no doubt she craves for world recognition, even if it kills her! Also, she once said she wants to live abroad just to get her “brainless colleagues” out of her face.
So, why this anti-climactic cop-out? Is it all just a cover-up? It is common knowledge that Santiago’s wild and unwieldy “outbursts” in this country have been going around the globe via the Internet, misbehavior so “unbecoming a lady and a jurist.” Is it possible that the ICC magistrates were watching (monitoring) her? That they got so fed up with her cantankerousness they have finally decided they want none of it in their hallowed presence? That her “letter” to “step down” was just a mere graceful exit? Frankly, that seems to make more sense.
—GABRIELLE MICHELLE M. AGUILLERA, gamma54321@yahoo.com