Willie Ong drops out from 2025 senatorial race

Metro Manila, Philippines - Cardiologist Willie Ong has announced on Thursday, Feb. 13, his withdrawal from the 2025 senatorial race, citing health reasons.

“So I can focus more on taking care of my health,” Ong posted on Facebook.

“I sincerely thank all the people who supported me and prayed for me,” the physician said. “I will continue to support good governance and the candidates who espouse the same ideals as mine.”

Ong, who is famous for sharing health tips on social media, was diagnosed with cancer in September last year.

He was receiving treatment in Singapore for sarcoma cancer when he filed his certificate of candidacy on Oct. 3, through his wife, Dr. Liza Ong.

The doctor vlogger was supposed to mount a “limited physical campaign” for his senatorial bid, according to his legal counsel Gilberto Lauengco.

Ong is number 49 on the ballot template. Votes cast in his favor are expected to be considered stray.

He is the fourth senatorial candidate to back out from the midterm elections, taking the cue from former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, Francis Leo Marcos, and Agri party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee.

Ong ran for vice president in 2022 but lost. He was the running mate of former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso.