MANILA — Former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson announced on Sunday (12 Jan 2025) that he is withdrawing from the Senate race in the upcoming national and local elections.

In a heartfelt address to his supporters at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Singson revealed that he would no longer pursue his candidacy due to ongoing health issues.

“After much reflection, I have decided not to continue with my Senate candidacy,” Singson told the crowd. “I don’t want to push forward if it will negatively affect my health.”

Despite battling pneumonia and requiring rest, Singson expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received from his supporters. “I feel your love and continued faith in me. With your unwavering support, I already feel like a winner,” he said.

Singson, who has also served as the deputy national security adviser, reassured his followers that although he is stepping down from the Senate race, he will remain committed to supporting transport groups by supplying electric vehicles.

The “Magnificent 7” transport group, which had thrown its backing behind his Senate bid, did so after he promised to provide them with modern public utility vehicles (PUVs).

During the filing of his candidacy, Singson had also pledged to assist those in need by offering financial support through bank accounts.

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By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Long-time Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson vowed on Saturday (19 Oct 2024) to cut red tape in government deals if elected to the Senate, running as an independent LL candidate.

When asked what “LL” stands for, the 83-year-old Ilocano tycoon, philanthropist, and political kingpin jokingly replied: “Lakas Loob.”

Singson emphasized the harmful pollution caused by oil, which is hazardous to both public health and the environment. As a solution, he aims to modernize the country’s transport system by introducing air-conditioned, 28-passenger e-vehicles.

“Korean technology but made in the Philippines,” he clarified during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.

If elected, Singson said his first proposed bill would be the “Universal Basic Income Chavit500,” which would provide a bank account and credit card to qualified Filipinos aged 18 and above.

He revealed that this scheme is already being implemented in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, where he served as mayor from June 30, 2019, to June 30, 2022.

“Para sa masa, para matuloy ang ginagawa kong pagbibigay ng bank account at credit card sa lahat ng ating kababayan,” Singson shared.

It’s worth noting that the 7-group-strong transport bloc, dubbed the ‘Magnificent 7,’ has expressed support for Singson’s Senate bid.

The group stated that Singson has committed to supplying them with modern public utility vehicle (PUV) units at a per-unit cost of P1.2 million—significantly lower than the current range of P1.6 million to P2.4 million—at 6% interest per year for seven years.

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By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson has filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for senator on Monday (07 Oct 2024).

He said his main advocacy is helping those in the transportation sector and provide bank accounts to those in need.

“Para sa masa, para matuloy ang ginagawa kong pagbibigay ng bank account at credit card sa lahat ng ating kababayan,” Singson said.

Singson served as a long-time governor in Ilocos Sur and served as Narvacan mayor from 2019 to 2022.

Even if he wouldn’t secure a Senate seat, Singson vowed to focus on providing assistance to jeepney drivers.

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