Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 14)— Vice presidential aspirant Dr. Willie Ong on Friday revealed he had tested positive for COVID-19.
“I have COVID, Day 2,” the Aksyon Demokratiko bet said on his Facebook live video, adding that he is experiencing symptoms including coughs, colds, and body pain.
“Mas matindi ito kaysa sa flu… Masakit sa ulo. May sipon siya pero matindi ‘yung ubo. May plema na ako, wala na rin akong boses,” he added.
[Translation: This is worse than flu… I have headaches, colds, and intense coughs. I have phlegm and lost my voice.]
The cardiologist who rose to fame giving medical advice through social media emphasized the need to be extra careful for those who fortunately haven’t caught the virus. He said, “Iba ‘yung inaral ko sa Covid. Iba yung na-experience mo mismo. Iba ‘yung libro, iba ‘yung aktwal.”
During his live clip, Ong reiterated the call for the establishment of an infectious disease hospital in order for the country to prepare for possible future pandemics.
Ong — known for his large social media following — is the running mate of presidential candidate Manila Mayor Isko Moreno in the May polls. In 2019, he also ran for the Philippine senate.
