MANILA, Philippines – Cardiologist and social media personality Dr. Willie Ong announced on Thursday, February 13, his withdrawal from the 2025 Senatorial elections, citing health concerns.
 |
| Photo courtesy: Facebook/Doc Willie Ong |
"I am officially withdrawing my candidacy for the 2025 elections. So I can focus more on taking care of my health," Ong said in a Facebook post.
Doc Willie thanked the people who supported and prayed for his recovery and said to support good governance and the candidates who push the same agenda as him.
“I will continue to support good governance and the candidates who espouse the same ideals as mine. Our advocacy to help the poor Filipinos continues even in my private capacity,” he said.
Public Announcement: I am officially withdrawing my candidacy for the 2025 elections. So I can focus more on taking...
Posted by Doc Willie Ong on Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Despite battling sarcoma—a rare form of cancer, Ong filed certificate of candidacy through his wife, Dr. Liza Ong, on October 3, 2024.
In September last year, Ong was diagnosed with sarcoma, in which the doctors called ‘very rare, aggressive and very big’.
See also: Understanding sarcoma: Is it linked to stress? Doctor explains
The doctors found a 16 x 13 x 12 centimeter sarcoma, which he said was among the largest his doctors had ever seen. It was said to be located behind his heart and in front of his spine.
Sarcoma is a malignant tumor and a rare type of cancer that usually develops in the bones and soft tissues, including fat, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, deep skin tissues and fibrous tissues.
Despite the diagnosis, Doc Willie remains positive that he will fight through the cancer. He said, “I have abdominal cancer. It is serious. But I will fight this battle. Para sa lahat ng cancer patients sa Pilipinas. Gagaling tayo ng sabay.”
After six weeks of treatment in Singapore, Ong announced that his sarcoma had shrunk by 60%. He called this a "miracle."
Read: ‘Miracles happen’: Doc Willie Ong’s cancer shrank by 60% in 6 weeks
The campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups commenced on Tuesday and will run until May 10, 2025.
Meanwhile, the campaign period for candidates for House of Representatives and provincial, city and municipal elections will run from March 28 until May 10.
The 2025 Election is on May 12 (Monday). Overseas voters may cast their votes from April 13 to May 12, while local absentee voters may cast their votes from April 28 to 30.
— The Summit Express
