MANILA - The Philippines can legalize medical marijuana for certain health conditions, a doctor seeking a Senate seat in the May 13 elections said Sunday.

"Pwede lalo na sa mga stage 4 cancer. Bigyan natin ng chance after ng medical studies," Doctor Willie Ong said during "Harapan 2019: The ABS-CBN Senatorial Town Hall Debate."

(It's possible especially for those with stage 4 cancer. Let's give it a chance after medical studies.)

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The House of Representatives last month passed a bill legalizing the use and research of medical marijuana in the country.

• Medical marijuana bill hurdles House

The bill seeks to provide "compassionate and right of access to medical cannabis and expanding research into its medicinal properties."

Some senators last year also expressed openness to the idea of legalizing medical cannabis in the country.

• Senators open to legalizing medical marijuana

Ong, known for his health tips and advice on social media, is running under the banner of Lakas-CMD. He said he hopes to continue the legacy of the late senator Juan Flavier, who was also from Lakas-CMD.

If elected senator, he said he would push for free laboratory tests under Philhealth and cheaper or free medicines.