MANILA, Philippines — Inspired by the legacy of late Sen. Juan Flavier, Willie Ong, a cardiologist and health columnist, has formalized his bid for senator in the 2019 midterm polls.
He was accompanied by former Commissions on Elections chair Sixto Brillantes when he filed his certificate of candidacy Thursday.
Ong is one of the candidates of the once powerful Lakas-CMD.
Senatorial aspirant Willie Ong introduces himself to members of the media. #Elections2019 | via @patriciaviray pic.twitter.com/ep6AtmpzqF
— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) October 11, 2018
The 55-year-old doctor is aiming to push for affordable and accessible health care to Filipinos, especially for the poor, in the upper house. His agenda also includes providing improved hospital facilities and equipment.
The former consultant of the Department of Health is hoping to harness the power of social media for his senatorial bid. His Facebook page has over 8.6 million likes. — with reports from Patricia Lourdes Viray