Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, through her chief of staff, described as “plain harassment’’ the petition filed against her with the Commission of Elections (Comelec) which sought her disqualification from the current senatorial race in the 2010 elections.

The petition, filed by Nombraan Pangcoga, a lawyer, cited two reasons why Santiago, a known constitutional expert, should be disqualified. One is that she has ‘’severe mental disorder’’ and the other is for her ‘’deliberate failure’’ to disclose fully her wealth and business interests.

Santiago is seeking another six-year term at the 24-member Senate. She is allied with the Nacionalista Party (NP) whose presidential bet is Sen. Manuel Villar.

Pancoga, who claimed to have worked as executive assistant for Muslim affairs for former Executive Secretary Rafael Salas, had told the Comelec that Santiago is ‘’of unsound mind’’ and should, therefore, be disqualified from seeking a Senate berth.

A statement sent by lawyer Camille L.Sevilla, staff, Santiago stated that the petition could probably be ‘’the handiwork of unscrupulous people whom the senator has exposed for graft and corruption.’’ (Mario Casayuran)