Dr. Willie Ong announced his official withdrawal from the 2025 Senate race, citing his decision to focus on his health.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Dr. Willie Ong pledged to support candidates who champion good governance and share his values, affirming that his commitment to helping the poor will continue even in his "private capacity."
"I am officially withdrawing my candidacy for the 2025 elections. So I can focus more on taking care of my health," said Ong.
"I sincerely thank all the people who supported me and prayed for me. 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 added.
In September 2024, Ong disclosed that he is battling cancer, revealing that doctors had found a 16 x 13 x 12 cm sarcoma in his abdomen, located behind his heart and in front of his spine.
However, on December 2, 2024, he announced that he had been declared cancer-free.
The cardiologist and health advocate announced his return to politics on September 30, revealing his candidacy for the Senate.
While Dr. Willie Ong was in Singapore for cancer treatment, his wife, Dr. Anna Liza Ramoso-Ong, filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for a senatorial seat on his behalf.
In the 2022 elections, Ong ran as the vice-presidential candidate alongside former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno under the Aksyon Demokratiko party, but their bid for office was unsuccessful.
