September 19, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Setting aside past political differences, Vice President Sara Duterte has wished health advocate and cardiologist Willie Ong “a speedy and complete recovery.”
Ong recently announced that doctors found sarcoma in his abdomen. He ran for vice president in the 2022 elections.
“I extend my heartfelt support and wish you a speedy and complete recovery. Your courage and optimism deeply moved us all as you shared your diagnosis and ongoing battle with sarcoma. Your strength and positive outlook in such adversity are genuinely inspiring,” Duterte said in a letter posted by Ong on his Facebook account.
“My mother, Elizabeth, watches you on YouTube and prays for mercy and healing,” she added.
Ong believed that his sarcoma was caused by the stress he endured from the politically divided electorate’s painful “bashing.”
During the elections, Ong was asked to sit out campaign events in Mindanao, where the majority of Duterte’s supporters are. Some voters reportedly preferred Moreno and Duterte.
While campaigning, Ong fractured his arm after losing his balance on a moving float.
Ong, a former columnist for The STAR, was former Manila mayor Isko Moreno’s running mate in the 2022 polls.
He also previously served as a consultant of former health secretary Enrique Ona.
A sarcoma is a rare type of malignant or cancerous tumor that develops in bone and connective tissues.
Ong said he remains optimistic despite the lack of research and medicines to treat sarcoma.
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