Rappler
[DECODED] Dr. Willie Ong’s cancer disclosure: Boost or blow to his Senate campaign?
Cardiologist and online health personality Doc Willie Ong has filed his certificate of candidacy for senator, despite battling sarcoma, a rare cancer affecting bones and soft tissue.
His wife, Liza Ong, filed his COC in Singapore while he is undergoing treatment for a tumor measuring 16x13x12 centimeters, described as roughly the size of a football.
Ong, running as an independent, plans to return to the Philippines in December for a limited physical campaign, heavily utilizing social media.
His spokesperson stated that Ong's doctors consider his condition treatable, and he is basing his campaign on 'faith-based' principles.
This marks Ong's second attempt at a Senate seat, having previously run in 2019, and follows his unsuccessful bid for vice president in 2022.
Conversations about Ong dominated the online landscape in September, particularly on the day he disclosed his diagnosis.
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