MANILA: Vice presidential aspirant Dr. Willie Ong is open to having discussions about the death penalty.
Ong, a cardiologist, said at present, he is not in favour of death penalty.
However, Ong said he is open to have this considered especially on heinous crimes.
“I’m really not in favour of death penalty. That’s why I’m a doctor, I help other people. But I can consider death penalty in special circumstances like for those who committed heinous crimes, those who steal P10 billion or those who killed many people.,” he said.
“ For now, I’m not in favour of death penalty, but I’m not closing discussions about it. We can discuss it in the future as this could help prevent crimes in the future.”
When it comes to territorial issues in the West Philippine Sea, Ong said he would support the stand of the incoming president but he stressed that the Hague ruling should be enforced.
Ong said the Philippines need the oil and natural gas resources found in the region. He said he is open to having joint explorations with China but the deal should benefit Filipinos more.
“I will support the stand of our president. For me, the issue on the West Philippine Sea is not just a territorial dispute but a money issue because of the resources there,” Ong said.
“We will fight for the Hague ruling. In the future, I think we can also have a deal with China in exploring the natural resources,” he added.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, following a case filed by the Philippines, invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the waters. China, however, continues to ignore the arbitration ruling as it describes the decision as “illegal and invalid.”
Meanwhile, Ong said he is open to disclose his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
Under the Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, public officials and employees “have an obligation to accomplish and submit declarations under oath of, and the public has the right to know, their assets, liabilities, net worth and financial and business interests including those of their spouses and of unmarried children under 18 years of age living in their households.”
“Yes, there’s no problem with that, SALN, bank waiver... Once I enter politics, I am willing to give up everything including my money, my Facebook, I know that the political arena is ‘dirty,’ so I’m all out,” Ong said.
He also vowed to curb corruption by setting leadership as an example to the public.
“That’s what I’m doing, that’s why I’m not accepting campaign funds.)
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