On February 21, cardiologist and vice president candidate Doc Willie Ong admitted that he felt hurt with the Isko Moreno-Sara Duterte pairing.
In an interview, Ong admitted he felt hurt with Filipinos pairing Moreno and Duterte despite having different running mates for the 2022 elections.
“Siyempre na-hurt ako. Masakit yun.”
Despite the people’s clamor, Ong maintains that he plans to do his campaign “straight.”
“Hindi ko na iniisip. Parang bahala na yung tao. Wala naman akong kasalanan. I’ll just do it straight.
“I’ll play it straight kasi yun ang hiningi sa akin ni Yorme so gusto ko ipakita sa inyo, sa lahat ng tao na loyal ako”
He added that he understood the demand, reiterating that he would remain loyal to Moreno.
“I understand where it comes from pero tiis lang ako. Wala akong complaint, go lang ako.”
Netizens also spotted Moreno’s banner changed, showing him side-by-side with Duterte during his rally in Maguindanao. Noticeably, Ong opted to sit out the campaign rallies for Mindanao.
As a result, netizens expressed disappointment over Moreno’s actions, condemning the disrespect Ong experienced.
Isko only cares about his numbers. He should have shut his doors to the idea of Isko-Sara tandem in some parts of Mindanao & Visayas, openly saying that his VP is none other than Doc Willie.
But apparently, he’s not.
Doc Willie must have felt betrayed. I can only surmise.
— 💖 RUBY 💖 (@RuBYkontrabidah) February 21, 2022
Doc Willie deserves better treatment from Isko and his team! https://t.co/j1sNCsS7hx
— J-Ram (@RambongaJay) February 21, 2022
This election year would be the perfect time for Doc Willie Ong to win as a Senator :(( we knew it Isko will just use him. https://t.co/mXxIXk1mOt
— chico (@jejehadidnt) February 21, 2022
The problem with this photo is that Isko seems to be just so happy to throw Doc Willie Ong under the bus. I feel so bad for the guy, he could easily have gotten into top 6 of the Senate race if he didn't take Isko's VP offer. Isko's betrayal is beyond description. https://t.co/tc3TQMnU1e
— Don Camilo Polavieja (@conde_polavieja) February 21, 2022
Napaka bastos naman. Nakakawa si Doc Willie. This is the worst thing I've seen as of today. pic.twitter.com/MaQPSWJU6Y
— Hawry (@RiHou_18) February 21, 2022
Doc Willie deserves your respect and sincere apology, @IskoMoreno! pic.twitter.com/xVDOfrFGRh
— NiCK (@AmigoManila) February 21, 2022
Some are even urging Ong to drop out of the elections after Moreno’s campaign actions.
Willie Ong should quit as Isko's VP. pic.twitter.com/3pTmODpSmu
— The Buried Lead by Ramon Ortoll (@marortoll) February 21, 2022
At this point, Doc Willie should just drop out. I don't like him, but no one deserves to be disrespected this way. pic.twitter.com/K2JgGOWarW
— ryan balisacan (@ryanbalisacan) February 21, 2022
Looking back, Moreno has a history of being cutthroat in politics. Previously, he ran against his previous political allies, such as Ejercito Estrada, Alfredo Lim, and Lito Atienza.
More recently, he slammed VP Leni Robredo, his supposed running mate for the 2022 elections, after filing her certificate of candidacy for the presidency in October 2021.
