Cardiologist and social media personality Dr. Willie Ong said he did not plan to run for the 2022 national elections.
Ong, 57, will be the running mate of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso in next year’s elections. They launched their tandem at Baseco Compound in Tondo on Wednesday, Sept. 22.
He is known for giving medical advice and health tips to his millions of followers both on his Facebook and Youtube accounts.
According to Ong, it was not in his plan to run for the upcoming elections, but he was convinced to join the race because of Domagoso's efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and helping the poor.
Ong also said that he saw something in Domagoso which made him believe that the Manila chief executive will do something "good" for the country.
The opportunity to help the Filipinos, especially those in need, also pushed Ong to run for the second highest post in the country.
"Kahit hirap ako dito, kahit hindi ko kaya, pag nakikita ko sila gusto ko lang maabot 'yung tulong ng gobyerno mapupunta lang sa kanila, parehong pareho sa gusto ni Yorme (Even if I'm struggling, even if I can't, when I'm seeing them I just want to give them the help from the government, which is the same with what Yorme wants)," he said.
Ong said he will focus on the health system of the country and promised to give only "the best" to Filipinos.
"Bibigay ko 'yung pinakatamang bakuna sa inyo, the best na gamot, the best na gamit. 'Yung the best hindi pwede wala kayo at libre 'yon, at sinabi ni Yorme 'yan -- libreng dialysis, libreng heart operation (I will give you the right vaccine, the best medicine, the best equipments. You should only have the best, and according to Yorme it would be free -- free dialysis, and free heart operation)" he said.
At the same time, Ong urged the public to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
He also called on the healthcare workers to continue the fight against the COVID-19 as many lives are at stake amid the pandemic.
Ong also ran for senator in 2019 under the Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats party.