The decision of cardiologist Doc Willie Ong to run for Senator in the 2025 election will only worsen his health issues, according to Dr. Dennis Coronacion, the Political Science Chairman of the University of Santo Tomas (UST).
In an interview during Dos Por Dos on Tuesday, Coronacion suggested that Ong, despite his desire to serve the public, needs to take a rest.
"Makikita niyo 'yung puso niya nasa public service. 'Yan ang tingin ko diyan kahit malubha ang kalagayan niya, gusto niya pa ring magsilbi. Kaya lang napaka-continuous ng pangangampanya; kung itutuloy niya, baka lalo pang makasama sa kaniya," Coronacion said.
Coronacion noted that entering politics is a big responsibility, and criticism, particularly from social media, could be stressful.
The political science professor also compared the country's current political situation to that of the United States, where age has become a 'liability.' Meanwhile, Ong's courage to run for Senate despite his health condition is leading to public sympathy.
"First time ko yata nakita na maganda ang lugar niya [Doc Willie] sa survey; nagkaroon ng sympathy sa tao. Awa at nakikita ng tao na gusto niyang magsilbi sa bayan kahit may sakit siya, mas lalo siyang nakaka-konekta at napapalapit," said Coronacion.
Coronacion noted that one important aspect of serving the public is health, as it is vital to perform duties effectively.
"Ang kalusugan, kung wala 'yan, di natin magagawa ang dapat magawa. Hindi ko alam kung bakit siya nagde-desisyon ng ganiyan. Siguro kung talagang lubha na ng kalagayan, iniisip na nothing to lose na," he added.
On Monday, Ong announced his candidacy for senator in the upcoming May 2025 elections. He will run as an independent candidate.
