Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson revealed on Wednesday that his health is improving and that he has been cleared of pneumonia, the condition that prompted his withdrawal from the Senate race.

In an exclusive interview with DAILY TRIBUNE at his residence in Quezon City, Singson shared that his recent hospitalizations made him realize the importance of prioritizing his health over his political ambitions.

“It’s okay. I recovered in just two days. I decided to withdraw because, while in the hospital, I thought, ‘They say I’ll win,’ but I realized that even if I win, I won’t be able to enjoy life,” Singson said.

He added, “I always encourage my employees to enjoy life, but I realized I haven’t been doing that myself.”

Singson, 83, withdrew from the senatorial race on 16 January, citing health concerns.

Initially, Singson’s name was expected to appear on the ballots for the May midterm elections, as clarified by Commission on Elections Chairperson George Garcia. However, Garcia later confirmed that Singson’s name would be removed from the reprinted ballots.

“Since we are restarting the printing of official ballots, we will be able to remove his name,” Garcia explained.