Cardiologist Willie Ong withdraws Senate bid due to cancer treatment

Cardiologist Willie Ong has withdrawn his certificate of candidacy for senator in the May 2025 elections due to health reasons and ongoing cancer treatment.

Ong announced his withdrawal on social media, stating he needs to focus on his health recovery and thanking supporters.

He revealed in September last year that he is undergoing treatment for sarcoma cancer in his stomach, with doctors detecting a mass measuring 16 centimeters.

Despite this, he filed his certificate of candidacy for senator last October while already undergoing treatment.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia stated that the poll body has yet to receive the official withdrawal statement but noted it does not require personal submission with a medical certification.

Ong emphasized that his advocacy to help poor Filipinos will continue in his private capacity.

This marks Ong's third attempt at national office, having previously run for senator in 2019 and vice president in 2022.