Veteran politician Luis "Manong Chavit" Singson has officially withdrawn from the senatorial race, citing health concerns.
Despite growing support from Filipinos, Singson expressed fulfillment from his nationwide engagements, where he reconnected with Filipinos and advocated for causes close to his heart.
"I don't have to win because I am already a winner in connecting with Filipinos from all over the country," Singson said in a statement, expressing his gratitude for the journey. He emphasized that his campaign's success lay in the connections he made and the impact of his message.
While his withdrawal comes as a surprise, Manong Chavit reassured his supporters that his initiatives will continue. His campaign had gained significant traction, with political observers noting his strong presence in the provinces and his ability to resonate with voters.
“Health should always come first. I must be honest with myself and the people. I need to step back and focus on getting better,” he explained.
Among his key advocacies, Singson aimed to make the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) more inclusive, particularly by making it accessible to a wider range of Filipinos. While recognizing the program's good intentions, he noted that its financial model was impractical for many drivers, particularly those without access to loans or the financial literacy to navigate the system.
To address this, Singson proposed affordable electric jeepneys equipped with air conditioning and solar charging stations to reduce operational costs. He emphasized that modernizing the public transport fleet not only improved vehicles but also contributed to a greener, more sustainable future.
Another of Manong Chavit’s initiatives was to accelerate financial literacy through the digital platform VBank, linked to Vigan Rural Banco Incorporada. VBank enables jeepney passengers to pay fares digitally and allows drivers to manage earnings more efficiently. The platform targets unbanked Filipinos, helping them access financial services and fostering financial literacy.
“VBank aims to serve those who have limited access to traditional banking,” said Singson, highlighting its importance in fostering financial inclusion.
One of his signature proposals, "Chavit 500," aimed to address poverty by providing low-income Filipinos with a monthly financial assistance of P500. The program, which uses VBank to ensure transparency and efficiency, would bypass traditional corruption-prone methods by eliminating middlemen in the disbursement process.
“Registration is simple. Just align your face for recognition, and when it turns green, you’re good to go,” Singson explained, committed to giving more countrymen access to financial services.
Although he is stepping back from the Senate race, Singson remains committed to public service and continues to push for the initiatives he believes in.
"I am already a winner as I know I have won the hearts of the people,” he said.
Singson, known for his decades-long public service career, also outlined plans to create economic zones across the country to attract investments, generate jobs, and promote inclusive growth. These zones would uplift entire communities and drive sustainable economic progress.
In closing, Singson reaffirmed his commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos, saying,
"My mission has always been to help improve the lives of our countrymen, and I will continue to do so, with or without a Senate seat."
Despite his withdrawal from the race, Singson’s advocacy for progress remains unwavering as he continues his efforts to make a lasting impact on the lives of Filipinos.