Celebrity doctor Willie Ong withdraws from the 2025 senatorial race due to health concerns.
Full story: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/willie-ong-withdraws-from-senate-race-health-reasons-february-13-2025/
Full story: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/willie-ong-withdraws-from-senate-race-health-reasons-february-13-2025/
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00:00Celebrity doctor Willie Ong withdraws from the 2025 senatorial race due to health concerns.
00:07In a social media post on Thursday, February 13, Ong says, quote, I'm officially withdrawing
00:13my candidacy for the 2025 elections so I can focus more on taking care of my health.
00:19He thanks his supporters and promises to continue his health advocacy in a private capacity.
00:24Ong disclosed in September 2024 that he was diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare cancer affecting
00:29the bones and soft tissues.
00:32He underwent treatment and in December announced he was cancer-free.
00:35Ong's wife, Dr. Lisa Ong, filed his certificate of candidacy while he was undergoing treatment
00:41in Singapore.
00:42Ong ranked between 19th and 21st in the January 2025 Pulse Asia Survey.
00:48Aside from Ong, Congressman Wilbert Lee and former Ilocos Sur Governor Chabit Singson
00:53also pulled out of the Senate race.