Chavit Singson drops out of Senate race

Luis “Chavit” Singson —Videograb from the official Facebook page of Singson

MANILA, Philippines — A month before the start of the official campaign period for the May midterm elections, senatorial hopeful Luis “Chavit” Singson dropped out of the Senate race for health reasons.

In a speech at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday night, the 83-year-old former Ilocos Sur governor said he might not be able to handle the rigors of the political campaign given his age and would instead continue his recovery from a recent bout with pneumonia.

READ: Chavit Singson’s ratings takes biggest jump in Dec tangere survey

“Maintaining good health is important so I can continue helping and bringing joy to all of you. After much thought, I have decided not to proceed with my candidacy for the Senate,” he said.

“Campaigning is no joke—especially the work of a senator if one truly intends to work hard. I do not want to force myself [to continue with the campaign] if my health may suffer,” he added.

According to Singson, he was recently confined due to pneumonia, and despite having recovered, his doctors advised him to get “a long period of rest.”

He said he would prioritize regaining his health as he apologized to his supporters.

At the same time, Singson noted that if he had gone on with his campaign, he was certain to make it to the Senate, being in the top 12. But in the survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations in December on the leading candidates, he was ranked 22nd.

The 90-day campaign period for those gunning for Senate and party list seats will start on Feb. 11.