Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson on Wednesday said his health was improving and he has been cleared of pneumonia, the condition that led to his decision to withdraw from the Senate race.

In an exclusive interview with DAILY TRIBUNE at his residence in Quezon City, Singson said his recent hospitalization made him realize the importance of prioritizing his health over his political ambition.

“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 won, I won’t be able to enjoy life,” he said.

“I have always encouraged my employees to enjoy life, but I realized I hadn’t been doing that myself,” he added.

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.

Commission on Elections Chairperson George Garcia later said 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 said.