Veteran politician Luis “Chavit” Singson said he will no longer support President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in future elections, accusing the Chief Executive of forgetting those who helped him rise to power — including Singson himself.
In a radio interview on Wednesday, Singson did not hold back in airing his disappointment with the President, saying Marcos now treats him like a stranger despite years of loyalty and daily campaigning during the 2022 elections.
“Back then, we were together every single day during the campaign. I’m not sulking, but now I can’t even contact him. I’ve tried setting an appointment through his secretaries, but there’s no response. That’s life,” Singson said in Filipino.
“He’s forgotten me,” the former Ilocos Sur governor added.
Singson said he never demanded a high-ranking post, but he hoped to be given at least a director-level position. He explained that many people still turn to him for assistance, assuming he holds influence within the current administration.
“I tried to get an appointment, yes. Maybe people think I can help because I supported him — but now I’ve been forgotten,” he said.
“He kept saying yes... but then I was told there were no vacancies. Well, there’s nothing I can do anymore,” Singson added.
The longtime political kingpin expressed confusion over being snubbed, recounting a moment during the President’s first official trip abroad when he was left out of Marcos’ acknowledgements.
“It was his first trip, in Japan. We were all seated at the presidential table. He mentioned everyone — except me. His son, Congressman Sandro, even told him, ‘Dad, Manong Chavit is here.’ But he ignored me,” Singson said. “He dismissed me.”
Asked if he would accept a position if Marcos were to suddenly offer one now, Singson replied, “No. I don’t believe them anymore. They don’t keep their word.”
Singson, who supported Marcos under the banner of “unity,” said the administration is no longer living up to its promise.
“I joined them because of unity. But now they’re the ones fighting. That’s not good for the country,” he said.
The former Narvacan mayor also took a swipe at the administration for favoring people who didn’t help during the campaign, while neglecting loyal allies like himself.
“He helped so many people who didn’t even support him before. But those of us who did, we were left behind. Maybe that’s just how they are. I don’t understand it... I guess I’ll wait for the next administration.”
Asked directly if he would still help the Marcoses in the next election, Singson gave a sharp, one-word reply: “No more.”
In parting, he sent a stark message to the President.
“Good luck... So much is happening in our country. I don’t know if we’ll ever recover. We’re drowning in debt. The next generation will suffer. There’s nothing more we can do now but pray for them.”