For a man who knows what he wants and goes for it with all his might, Luis "Manong Chavit" Singson has recently had to make one of the most difficult decisions of his life.

The veteran politician has withdrawn from the senatorial race due to health concerns, making the announcement at the VBank VLive nationwide caravan on Sunday at Mall of Asia.

“After much contemplation, I’ve decided: I will no longer continue with my candidacy for the Senate.

“Running a campaign is no easy task, especially the work of a senator, and I don’t want to push through with it if my health might suffer. I want to serve you with all my heart and strength, so I’ve decided to focus on regaining my health to be even more useful to all of you,” he said in a statement.

Manong Chavit, known for his determination to accomplish goals, felt a sense of fulfillment during his visits across the country, where he shared his message of uplifting the lives of Filipinos through enterprise.

Singson expressed gratitude for his journey, saying, "I don't have to win because I am already a winner in connecting with Filipinos from all over the country."

The former Ilocos Sur governor emphasized that his nationwide engagements allowed him to reconnect with the people and advocate for issues close to his heart, which he considers a victory.

Elated, he announced to his supporters, “We’ve reached one of the highest points in the surveys! A huge leap of 11 percent in just one month. We also saw a remarkable rise in followers and social media engagement!

“This is all thanks to your unwavering support and to those working tirelessly in this campaign. If we continued, I’m sure we would make it to the top 12. But even if we get there, my decision remains the same,” Singson said. His initiatives gained traction in recent weeks, with many political observers noting his strong presence in the provinces and ability to connect with the electorate.

He traveled across the nation a little over a month, and was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. Local government units even volunteered to campaign for him, including producing campaign materials.

His charisma, coupled with his extensive experience in governance, has put him well inside the Top 12 list in the latest independent surveys.

However, citing health concerns as his primary reason for withdrawing, Singson emphasized that his decision was made with the well-being of his family and supporters in mind.

"Health should always come first, and I must be honest with myself and the people. I need to step back and focus on getting better," he explained.

Known in Philippine society as a force to reckon with, Singson's decision to step back from the political contest comes as a surprise to many supporters.

Still, like the “Manong” tag that he has lived up to, the seasoned leader assured that all of the initiatives he started will continue.

Electric vehicles for masses

Among his advocacies is making the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) more inclusive and accessible to a wider range of Filipinos.

He had indicated despite the good intentions of the PUVMP, its financial model was impractical for many drivers, particularly those without access to loans or the financial literacy to navigate the system.

Thus, Singson decided to serve as a bridge to extend financing opportunities to ordinary Filipinos.

"Many drivers could not afford the loans or had limited access to banking services. That’s when I decided I would personally fund the transition," Singson said.

Singson said his e-jeepneys are three times cheaper than competitors, available with no down payment and no interest. "I don't mind losing money over this," he added.

“Modernizing the public transport fleet is not only about providing improved vehicles but also about contributing to a greener, more sustainable future,” he explained.

VBank for financial inclusion

Another of his initiatives is to accelerate financial literacy through the introduction of the digital platform VBank, connected to Vigan Rural Banco Incorporada.

VBank is a digital banking platform designed to provide financial inclusion for unbanked Filipinos. Through VBank, users can access banking services such as cashless transactions and financial tools, helping improve financial literacy and accessibility. With features like preloaded cards and a user-friendly mobile platform, VBank aims to empower individuals, particularly those without access to traditional banking, to manage their finances easily and efficiently.

Chavit500 a game-changer

Manong Chavit also recently unveiled his signature anti-poverty model called “Chavit 500,” a universal basic income program aimed at a monthly financial assistance of P500 to low-income Filipinos. But which may have to be shelved because of his exiting the senate race.

Nationwide vision for development

Singson’s platform aims for nationwide progress, drawing from his experience as a local leader in Ilocos Sur.

"I am content with the progress in my province, but I want to see this kind of development reach every corner of the Philippines," Singson said.

Singson aimed to spread his advocacies across the nation to inspire widespread progress.

“If we can modernize transportation in a way that works for everyone — from the drivers to the passengers — we can create a stronger, more equitable nation," according to Singson.

With decades-long public service and a colorful political career to his name, Singson said he remains committed to serving Filipinos in other capacities outside the Senate.

"My mission has always been to help improve the lives of our countrymen, and I will continue to do so, with or without a Senate seat," he added. “I will not walk away from the causes I believe in. I will continue to push for the initiatives I proposed because they are not just about me — they are about making real, positive changes for the Filipino people.”

He had outlined plans to establish economic zones across the country to attract investors, generate jobs, and promote inclusive growth.

These zones, he said, would create a ripple effect, uplifting entire communities and driving sustained economic progress.

Even behind the political arena, Manong Chavit strives to make a difference by continuing to provide the majority of Filipinos with opportunities to improve their lives.

In closing, Singson reminded the public that public service is about more than just holding a position of office.

In a previous feature in this paper, Singson was described as “serious about issues that need to be addressed urgently — not because of want, but of need that’s not even his own.“

He is, too, “a father at heart, who wants nothing but only the best for his children with a legacy immortalized in history from generation to generation.”

In his own words: "Winning is not always about titles or positions. True victory comes from making a real difference in people's lives, and in that, I believe I have already succeeded."