Gwyneth Perseveranda

Cardiologist, internist, and 2022 Vice Presidential candidate Willie Ong sets his preparation for the 2025 Senatorial race despite his struggling health due to cancer.

Photo Courtesy of Facebook/Doc Willie Ong/GMA Network.

Through a Facebook live broadcast on September 30, Ong said he intends to file his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on October 2.

His wife, Doc. Liza Ong was en route to assist with the filing.

“I’ll be filing for senator sa October 2, nagawa ko na papeles, na-notarize ko na. Si Doc. Liza nasa airplane na ngayon… siya ang magfa-file ng sa akin pero ako ang tatakbo,” he said.

The doctor declared that he would run as an independent candidate and would campaign in the “cleanest way”, asserting that he is not affiliated with any political personalities or parties.

“I’ll do it the cleanest way. I am not connected with the admin, Duterte, or the opposition; it will just be me, no one else,” he added.

The doctor-vlogger expressed his commitment to “fix the healthcare system in the country,” voicing frustrations over its slow processes.

He then emphasized that he will not use campaign funds unlike his 2019 and 2022 electoral bids.

In September, Ong revealed that he is battling Sarcoma after doctors found a 16 x 13 x 12 centimeter mass hidden behind his heart.

He has begun treatment overseas to combat the aggressive illness.

The cardiologist recounted experiencing severe back pain in August, describing it as the “worst pain of my life.”

Subsequent tests were performed and he was confirmed to have cancer.

He suspected that his illness was worsened by stress from social media attacks.

Ong was a consultant for the Department of Health (DOH) between 2010 to 2024; he earned his medical degree from De La Salle College of Medicine in 1992, and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of the Philippines Manila in 2002.