Luis “Manong Chavit” Singson announced his withdrawal from the 2025 Senate race on Sunday evening, citing his health. While his pursuit of a seat in the upper house may have experienced a setback for now, the veteran politician and businessman assured his supporters that he remains committed to the many plans and programs he designed and has championed since filing his certificate of candidacy.

Affectionately called “Manong Chavit,” the Ilocos Sur stalwart has crafted a variety of initiatives aimed at making Filipinos’ lives lighter, healthier, and more financially stable — from financing electric vehicles to investing in renewable energy and promoting digital banking.

In fact, this is not the first time that this tireless public servant has had to step back from his calling and recuperate.

In a recent interview, he recounted surviving an assassination attempt that left him "flat[lined]," only to be revived and reminded by members of the clergy that he must have been brought back to embark upon a greater mission: to uplift his fellow Filipinos and drive sustainable growth for the nation.

While he won't be vying for a Senate seat in 2025, Singson’s engagements from December 2024 to January reveal the extent of his commitment and determination to make our lives better. Here is a look back at his most notable sorties and events, organized by date and location.

8 December – Feria de Candon, Ilocos Sur

During the annual Feria de Candon, Manong Chavit proudly highlighted his role in passing RA 7171 — a landmark law that uses tobacco excise taxes to boost development in tobacco-producing provinces — and bared his senatorial platform.

He introduced his proposed “Chavit 500” Universal Basic Income initiative. Addressing transport modernization, Singson assured drivers and operators that he would personally finance the shift to electric vehicles.

He then announced VBank, a digital banking platform aimed at expanding financial access for underserved communities, further underscoring his mission to boost financial inclusion nationwide.

Many Filipinos still don’t have access to banks or financial services, which limits their opportunities. By making it easier for them to open accounts, we are giving them a chance to participate in the economy and improve their lives

This event laid the foundations for what would be his campaign and set the stage for a comprehensive caravan of engagements across the country.

Amazingly, Manong Chavit also found the time to attend the GMA Sparkle Christmas Party in Bonifacio Global City, where he connected with media and entertainment industry figures.

He used the opportunity to discuss his vision for modernizing public vehicles and boosting the industry’s economic activities.

11 & 12 December – Manila and Pampanga

Singson’s itinerary brought him to the Manila Hotel for PHILRECA’s Christmas gathering, where he recognized the organization’s work. Later, he met with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) at the Diamond Hotel, reaffirming his role as President Emeritus. LMP President JP Bernos lauded him, saying, “Manong Chavit is a very generous and respected member of our council. We will support his bid as senator until he wins.”

On the 12th, Singson traveled to Candaba, Pampanga, where he joined a Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) TUPAD payout for displaced workers. Mayor Rene Maglaque praised his leadership.

Tiwala ng mga presidente ay hindi natin matawaran. Ang ginawa niya sa Ilocos Sur ay gagawin niya sa buong Pilipinas.

Singson emphasized that programs like TUPAD align with his broader vision for nationwide progress: “Ang serbisyong tulad ng TUPAD ay bahagi ng ating pangarap na magdala ng progreso at ginhawa sa bawat Pilipino.”

15 December – VBank Launch in Quezon City

In Quezon City, Singson officially rolled out VBank during the Blackout Festival, shining a spotlight on financial inclusion. He said he had no qualms positioning VBank as a competitor to fintech or financial technology giants.

Seventy percent of Filipinos still don’t have bank accounts. Our economy is not moving because money revolves outside our country. All should be financially included.

He also unveiled the 58 Days Pa-Raffle ni Manong Chavit raffle, designed to encourage Filipinos to explore digital banking, save consistently, and learn about new financial technologies.

28 December – E-Jeepney advocacy in Pasig City

Singson wrapped up the year with a bold plan to produce 500 electric jeepneys monthly, in addition to e-bikes and e-tricycles.

“We aim to start with 500 e-jeepneys per month, plus 2,000 e-bikes and 1,000 e-tricycles,” he said, announcing partnerships with South Korean e-mobility experts for quality manufacturing in Lipa, Batangas.

To ease the burden on drivers and operators, each e-jeepney — priced at around ₱1.2 million — would be available through zero down payments and interest-free financing.

2 January – Benjamin Abalos' endorsement

On the second day of the new year, Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos publicly endorsed Singson, recalling the positive impact of RA 7171 in San Vicente, Ilocos Sur.

I idolize Manong Chavit. In the name of the economy. About the RA 7171

Singson responded by underscoring his plans to propose the “Chavit 500” universal basic income in the Senate and reduce bureaucratic hurdles to attract more investments. His focus remained on financial transparency, electrified public transport, and broader economic reforms.

3 January – La Union, green energy

Singson concluded his holiday engagements in San Fernando, La Union, and Vista La Vita, joined by his daughter, Congresswoman Richelle Singson, Vice Governor Mario Ortega, and Representative Paolo Ortega. He reaffirmed his guiding principle — May Isang Salita — derived from his father’s teaching.

Having credibility is important, and I will take my father’s teaching to heart.

He pledged major support for local government units transitioning to clean energy. Singson explained that these measures complement his broader plan to create economic zones, which he believes will spur job creation and sustainable growth nationwide.

The mission continues

The initiatives Manong Chavit has set in motion — electric jeepneys, renewable energy investments, digital banking, and more — have inspired widespread and have endeared Singson to a new generation of Filipinos.

Even as he takes a step back to focus on his well-being, the statesman leaves behind a legacy of action. His campaign engagements and the endorsements he received demonstrate the deep relationships he has forged with his countrymen. Pinoys across the country will surely be wishing him well as he embarks on the next stage of his journey of public service.

Maraming salamat, Manong Chavit!