Vice presidential aspirant Dr. Willie Ong on Wednesday, Sept 29, said the country's health secretary should be replaced to win back the trust of the public in the next administration.
“Simple lang, ano ang babaguhin niyo pag-upo? Syempre papalitan natin ‘yung DOH secretary. That’s the first step para magkaroon ng tiwala ang tao (Simply put, what will you change when you sit down? Of course we will replace the DOH secretary. That’s the first step to have the people's trust),” Ong said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday.
"Pwede na tayo maghanap ng ibang DOH secretary. Ako nalang 'yung mag o-overview na sigurado ‘yung mga pangako at plano natin maibigay sa baba (We can look for another DOH secretary. I'm the one who will overview to make sure our promises and plans can reach those below)," he added.
Ong also said a doctor should be the one in charge of the country's task force.
“Second, ‘yung head, I am sure mabait si General Galvez but I think a doctor can do better or a health worker para at least decisive na, sila na ang mag-a-advise. Dun palang malaking pagbabago na (Second, the head, I am sure General Galvez is kind but I think a doctor can do better or a health worker so that at least it will be decisive, they will advise. That will be a big change,” he said.
The doctor-turned-politician said his platform is focused on improving the country's healthcare system including free coronavirus testing, funding for hospitals, and better pay for health workers.
"We have a lot of budget for COVID-19. I would prioritize testing, health workers, hospitals," he said.
Ong will run for vice president in tandem with Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso.
He reiterated that their campaign will address the minimum basic needs of the public including health, housing, jobs, and education.
Ong also added he would push for a more simpler category of community quarantine.
"Yung pag-advise sa tao, simple lang, siguro MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine), ECQ, GCQ (general community quarantine), and that’s it. Wala nang typhoon levels 1 to 4," he said.
Ong, meanwhile, said he will continue to work and help the Filipino people even if he loses the elections.
“It doesn’t matter. Where God puts me I will follow because my goal is to help people... Kung iba ang manalo. I will work with that person. Hindi ako mang a-attack ng iba. Kung san ako ilalagay ng mga tao (If others win, I will work with that person. I will not attack others. Where people will put me), I will follow. I don't want to add stress to the Filipino people," he said.
"Kung saan ako ilalagay ng Diyos, alam ko po-protektahan niya ako (Where God puts me, I know he will protect me). Something will happen. Yes, I lost in 2019, but when I lost, from nine million followers naging 16 million followers naman ako. I dont think it’s a lost, but I learned a lot."