Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago stepped down on Tuesday as judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing her precarious health condition.
Santiago made the announcement in a letter to the ICC presidency thru President Sang-Hyun Song.
“Pursuant to my commitment, I hereby confirm that the Court should proceed on the basis that I am stepping down as elected Judge,” she said.
“Since I was elected in December 2011, I have secured neither alleviation nor treatment from the medical profession for my illness, known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.”
“I will support the procedures of the Assembly of State Parties later this year, so that a replacement can be duly elected. Thank you,” the senator added.
Santiago has also been on leave from the Senate due to her condition.
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