CARDIOLOGIST Willie Ong has announced on his social media page that he is withdrawing from the May 2025 senatorial race to focus on his health.
Ong, who has revealed that he is battling sarcoma cancer and is undergoing treatment abroad, is running under the banner of the Aksyon Demokratiko.
This, however, did not prevent him from filing his certificate of candidacy last October 2024 through his wife, Liza.
“I am officially withdrawing my candidacy for the 2025 elections, so I can focus more on taking care of my health,” Ong said on his Facebook page.
In exiting the Senate race, he said he will continue to support good governance as well as candidates who espouse the same ideals as his.
“Our advocacy to help the poor Filipinos continues even in my private capacity,” he said.
Elections chairman George Garcia said they will not force Ong to personally submit his Statement of Withdrawal.
Garcia said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has adopted a policy to allow candidates to officially withdraw sans personal appearance.
“If there is a candidate who cannot file his Statement of Withdrawal personally, we will accept it as long as he or she will present a certification from his or her doctor,” he said.
Similar to the case of AGRI party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee, who also withdrew from the Senate race, the poll chief said they can no longer remove the name of Ong in the official ballots.
“All the votes for those that withdrew, the votes for them will be considered as stray,” Garcia said.
Aside from Ong and Lee, former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson has also withdrawn from the Senate race due to health reasons.
Former senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino wished for the complete recovery of Ong.
“It is with deep respect that I acknowledge the difficult decision of Doc Willie Ong to withdraw his candidacy for the Senate so he can focus on his health recovery. Maraming salamat, Doc Willie, sa iyong malasakit at pagmamahal sa bayan (Thank you very much for your love and concern for our country)!” Aquino said in a statement.
Aquino said Ong and his wife Liza have shown the value of helping Filipinos to have accessible healthcare by posting videos on social media sites on how to take care of one’s health.
“Timi and I are lucky to call you and Doc Liza our friend because you have shown us what a loving partnership is. By supporting each other, you are able to serve and reach out to more Filipinos about your lifelong advocacy,” he said.
“We’re praying for your fast and complete recovery, and strength for Doc Liza, and the entire family. God bless, Doc!” he added. – With Raymond Africa
