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

On Sunday, Singson announced he was ending his run for the Senate due to health reasons.

In a Viber message to DAILY TRIBUNE, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the poll body cannot remove Singson’s name as the printing of ballots had started.

“I guess we will no longer remove his name. The printing is ongoing, ” Garcia said in Filipino.

If Singson receives enough votes to be elected senator, Garcia said, “Those will be considered stray votes. But he must personally withdraw his candidacy.”

The Comelec has started printing the 73-million ballots that will be used in the 12 May polls.

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

“I don’t want to force it if my health will suffer,” said Singson, who served as deputy national security adviser in the Arroyo administration.

Singson assured, however, that despite withdrawing from the campaign he would still provide electric vehicles to transport groups.

When he filed his certificate of candidacy for senator in October, Singson also promised to provide bank accounts through the VBank for jeepney passengers and drivers to enable cashless transport.