Lone doctor in Senate race teams up with health group

Photo from Willy Ong’s Facebook Page

A health-oriented party-list group and the only medical doctor running for senator in May have teamed up to push for an inclusive health care system for all Filipinos.

Dr. Willy Ong, a social media sensation and now senatorial candidate, said in a statement that he found a partner in the party-list group Anakalusugan to push for measures to promote health care for all Filipinos.

“Health knows no political color or economic class,” Ong said.

The statement quoted Mike Defensor, Anakalusugan nominee, as saying the group welcomed its partnership with Ong.

“Together, we will be a force to reckon with in Congress,” Defensor said in the same statement.

He said his group and Ong would serve as “watchdog to ensure that PhilHealth and the Department of Health deliver the services expected of them.”

Citing health data, Ong said at least 60 percent of sick Filipinos die without even seeing a doctor.