The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson’s name will remain on the official ballots despite his withdrawal.

In a Viber message to DAILY TRIBUNE, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the poll body will no longer remove Singson’s name as printing has already started.

“Mukang di na po [tatanggalin]. Ongoing na po kasi ang printing (I guess we will no longer remove his name. Our printing is already ongoing),” Garcia said.

If Singson receives enough votes to be elected senator, Garcia said those votes will be considered “stray votes.”

“Stray votes po lahat yun. Pero kailangan po personal ang withdrawal niya (Those will be considered stray votes. But he must personally withdraw his candidacy),” the Comelec chief explained.

The Comelec began printing the 73 million ballots that will be used for the 12 May elections.

On Sunday, Singson announced his withdrawal from the Senate race, citing health reasons.

The 83-year-old politician said he recently survived pneumonia and might not be able to handle the rigors of a political campaign given his age.

“Ayokong ipilit kung ang aking kalusugan ang maaring magdusa (I don’t want to force it if my health will suffer),” Singson, who also served as deputy national security adviser, said.

Singson assured that despite withdrawing from his campaign, he will continue providing electric vehicles to transport groups.

During the filing of candidacies in October, Singson vowed to provide bank accounts through VBank to jeepney passengers and drivers, allowing cashless transactions during trips.