Willie Ong

Willie Tan Ong, born on October 24, 1963, in Manila, Philippines, has established a significant career as a cardiologist and internist. His early education included Xavier School in San Juan, Metro Manila, followed by a Bachelor of Science in botany from the University of the Philippines Diliman. He earned his medical degree from the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute in 1992 and later achieved a Master’s in Public Health from the University of the Philippines Manila, where he was recognized for the highest academic performance. His medical training included a residency in internal medicine at Manila Doctors Hospital, where he served as chief resident, and a cardiology fellowship at the Philippine General Hospital, where he was chief fellow. These foundational experiences laid the groundwork for his extensive contributions to public health and medical education.

Ong’s career progressed into writing and media, enabling him to reach a broader audience. He authored the ‘Medicine Blue Book’ and the ‘Cardiology Blue Book,’ resources widely referenced by medical students and doctors in the Philippines. From 2010 to 2014, he served as a consultant with the Department of Health. His media presence expanded through his television show on RJTV starting in 2005, appearances on ABS-CBN’s ‘Salamat Dok’ from 2008 to 2018, and his role as a resident doctor and host for DZRH’s ‘Docs on Call’ from 2009 to 2017. He also contributed as a columnist for ‘The Philippine Star’ and its sister publications. Concurrently, he established a substantial online presence, launching a YouTube channel in 2007 and actively managing a Facebook page from 2013, solidifying his role as a leading online health advocate.

His advocacy extended to the political arena, where he sought to influence healthcare policy directly. Ong ran for Senator in the 2019 Philippine elections under the Lakas–CMD party, focusing his campaign on health issues and healthcare reform. Although he did not win a seat, finishing 18th, his campaign highlighted his considerable public support, especially from Overseas Filipino Workers and his vast social media following. In 2022, he entered the vice-presidential race as the running mate of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno under Aksyon Demokratiko, placing fourth. Despite a recent sarcoma diagnosis in September 2024 and ongoing treatment in Singapore, he filed a certificate of candidacy for the 2025 Senate elections, which he later withdrew in February 2025 to focus on his recovery, demonstrating his continued commitment to public service.