Watch more in iWantv or TFC.tv

MANILA - The only doctor running for a seat in the Senate is hoping to translate some of his 10 million followers on social media to actual votes come election day.

While admitting all 10 million followers can't vote for him, Dr. Willie Ong said he thinks his social media influence can give him at least 5 million votes.

"I'll be honest, maybe 5 million...maybe half," he told ANC's Headstart.

Ong, who initially had no plans of entering politics, said he was seeking a Senate seat because he wanted a platform to "look for better ways to help people."

"When I reached 9 million followers on Facebook, a lot of patients' groups were begging me to run. I felt I had no choice. Having lots of followers is a blessing but it's also a burden because I cannot just say I cannot help you anymore. At least I have to try it for them," he said.

Ong said he has given health advice for free and being in the Senate will help him reach more people.

"I have 5,000 articles. I've been writing since 2001 until now. I have YouTube videos--all topics... but what if I can help a million people? Why not?" he said.

SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN

Ong said he recently saw a decline in his online community but "boosting" his posts in networking site Facebook was not the best option.

"Before, we were reaching 6 percent of our followers. I think now they [Facebook] decreased it maybe to 4 percent. I can feel it. So I'm not really reaching my 10-million followers to be honest," he said.

"I don't like people seeing that sponsored post," he added.