VP Sara wishes Doc Willie Ong speedy recovery

Vice President Sara Duterte has penned a letter to Doc Willie Ong, wishing him a "quick and complete recovery" as he undergoes treatment for cancer.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Ong shared a copy of Duterte’s letter saying that the cardiologist’s current battle against cancer “is a testament to the same spirit of perseverance and hope [he has] always advocated.”

“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,” the letter read. 

“My mother, Elizabeth, watched you on YouTube and prays for mercy and healing. We stand with you in solidarity during this period,” it added.

In a message to GMA News Online, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) confirmed the authenticity of Duterte's letter to Ong.

Ong on Saturday announced that doctors found a 16 x 13 x 12 centimeter sarcoma in his abdomen. It was "hidden" behind his heart, he said, and in front of his spine.

The video was recorded from his hospital room on Aug. 29, but its release was delayed "because of doc willie's serious and complicated journey through chemotherapy," according to a post on his Facebook account.

Ong thanked Duterte for her message, adding that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has also “sent feelers already this morning through [Presidential Communications Office Secretary] Cesar Chavez.”

“Thank you for the kind words VP Sara. I don't know why but I am touched by your sincere message,” the doctor said. 

“I wish for peace and harmony to reign in the Philippines. So much work to do for our poor people. I will help when I am stronger. God bless you and everyone in government,” he added. 

Duterte and Ong both ran for the vice presidency in the 2022 national and local elections. —Giselle Ombay/ VAL/ VDV, GMA Integrated News