Doc Willie Ong bares 2025 Senate run despite cancer diagnosis

Dr. Willie Ong. (Photo from Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines — Former vice presidential candidate and doctor-vlogger Willie Ong will run for senator in the 2025 elections despite having been diagnosed with cancer.

Ong announced it on Facebook on Monday, saying that he intends to file his certificate of candidacy (COC) on October 2.
Article continues after this advertisement
“A-announce ko na rin naman magfa-file po ako for senator,” the cardiologist said.

(I will also announce my plan to file my COC for senator.)

“I’ll be filing for senator sa October 2, nagawa ko na papeles, na notarize ko na. Si Doc Liza nasa airplane na ngayon … sya ang magfa-file ng sa akin pero ako ang tatakbo,” he added(I will be filing on October 2, I already accomplished the papers and got them notarized. Doc Liza is on an airplane now. She will file my COC for me, but I will run.)

Ong also said he would run even with no funds or sponsor.

“First miracle, I have to get well. Second, tatakbo tayo nang walang pera kung hindi manalo edi sorry but I’ll give it my best shot,” he added.

(First miracle, I have to get well. Second, I will run with no money. If I don’t win, it’s okay, but I will give my best shot.)

The doctor-vlogger said he would go through the campaign season and elections in the “cleanest way,” adding that he would not be connected to any political personalities.

Earlier, Ong revealed that he is battling sarcoma cancer.

“I have a large abdominal cancer, it is serious, but I will fight this battle,” he disclosed on his YouTube channel.

Ong was the running mate of the then-presidential aspirant and former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno in the 2022 elections.