Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson announced on Sunday that he is withdrawing from the Senate race, citing health concerns after a recent bout with pneumonia.
"Matapos ang mahabang pag-iisip, ang desisyon ko po ay hindi na po ako tutuloy sa aking kandidatura sa Senado," Singson said during a speech to supporters streamed live on his social media pages.
"Ayokong ipilit kung ang aking kalusugan ang maaaring magdusa."
The 83-year-old politician admitted that his age and the demands of a national campaign made it difficult to continue. He shared that he had recently been hospitalized for pneumonia and needed time to recover fully.
"Sa totoo lang, tumakas na lang ako sa ospital dahil ayaw nila akong palabasin. Bagamat nagamot nila ang pneumonia, kailangan ko raw ng mahabang panahon ng pahinga," he revealed.
Singson emphasized the importance of prioritizing his health to continue serving the public in other ways. He also expressed gratitude and asked for understanding from his supporters who had rallied behind his candidacy.
"Humihingi po ako ng tawad sa mga nagbigay ng oras, lakas, at suporta para sa kampanya," he added.
Despite withdrawing from the race, Singson reassured the public that he remains committed to his advocacy of helping Filipinos. He vowed to continue providing electric vehicles to transport groups, a project that earned the backing of the "Magnificent 7" transport group.
"Ramdam ko po ang inyong pagmamahal sa akin at inyong patuloy na paniniwala sa akin. Ang overwhelming na suporta, alam ko na puso ko, panalo na ako," Singson said.
