Chavit Singson

MANILA, Philippines – Audible, simultaneous gasps followed by a stunned, almost deafening silence were the immediate reactions from the immense crowd in attendance after former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson announced the cancellation of his 2025 candidadcy for senator of the Philippines.

Over 10,000 loyal, energized fans packed the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, January 12, in full support of the 83-year-old business tycoon.

From the office of Chavit Singson

Singson’s campaign was strong and had been gaining considerable momentum since October of 2024, with growing support perceived to potentially secure a top 12 spot for the 83-year-old businessman. In a decisive turn, he chose to withdraw from the senate race, prioritizing his health and committing to long-term service over short-term political ambition.

From the office of Chavit Singson

The announcement not only ended a candidacy rooted in a commitment to practical reform and policy-driven philanthropy, it also served as the retirement speech of a politician whose legendary political career saw him hold almost every electable position in government throughout more than half a century of public service.

“With the overwhelming support you have shown, I know in my heart: I have already won.” (Sa overwhelming na suporta na ipinakita ninyo, alam ko na po sa puso​ ko: panalo na po ako.) Singson’s words were followed by a thunderous ovation. “I no longer need to wait for the elections or win a position to feel victorious. For me, the most important thing is seeing you happy, feeling your love, and serving you without expecting anything in return.” (Hindi ko na po kailangan hintayin ang halalan o manalo ng posisyon para maramdaman ang tagumpay. Dahil para sa akin, ang pinakamahalaga ay makita kayong masaya, maramdaman ang pagmamahal ninyo, at makapaglingkod sa inyo nang walang hinihingi na kapalit.)

From the office of Chavit Singson

Singson’s campaign was centered on practical solutions — including the “Chavit 500” — a visionary program offering a lifetime monthly subsidy of P500 for minimum wage earners aged 18 and above. The program would be made possible through VBank — an existing digital banking platform owned by Singson and recognized globally — aimed at giving all Filipinos access to banking services. Through VBank, Singson envisioned a system where every Filipino could open a bank account with no initial deposit or maintaining balance, waived remittance fees for OFWs, and seamless access to financial services. This platform would not only enable a universal basic income such as the Chavit 500, but also provide a corruption-free system ensuring every peso goes directly to recipients without political interference or bureaucratic inefficiencies. Singson activated an army of seasoned lawyers and economists to flesh out the revolutionary policy and was in the process of authoring a bill in congress through his daughter Representative Richelle Singson.

Beyond the appeal of the Chavit 500 policy, Singson’s campaign gained significant traction, with an 11% surge in survey rankings within just a month — the biggest jump in favorability of any candidate running for Senator, as per national pollster Tangere.

The campaign also achieved record-breaking online engagement, highlighting the strong connection he had built with supporters through his bold vision for reform. After only two months of activation, the official Chavit Singson Facebook page is now ranked 2nd in total reach (behind incumbent Bong Revilla), 3rd in monthly net follower increase (just having organically passed one million unique followers as of the writing of this article), and a dominant 1st place ranking in total engagement — giving Singson the distinction of owning the #1 social media channel out of all 65 current senatorial candidates. The engagement on Singson’s Facebook account throughout December was so vast that it generated close to eight times the engagement of the page of President Bongbong Marcos. Independent survey providers Laylo and Tangere have publicly released multiple nationwide polls, each of which have claimed that Facebook is the second best way for senatoraibles to reach voters (TV is #1 and radio is #3).

“After much reflection, I have decided: I will no longer pursue my candidacy for the Senate” (Pagkatapos ng matagal na pag-iisip, napagpasyahan ko po: hindi na po ako tutuloy sa aking kandidatura sa Senado), Singson said with finality, noting that his recent bout with pneumonia and hospitalization underscored the importance of focusing on his health. “Campaigns are no small matter, especially the work of a senator, and I don’t want to push myself to the point where my health might suffer. I want to serve you with all my heart and strength” (Hindi po biro ang kampanya, lalo na ang trabaho ng isang senador, at ayoko pong ipilit kung ang aking kalusugan ang maaaring magdusa. Gusto ko pong makapaglingkod sa inyo ng buong puso at buong lakas).

This marks the second time Singson has withdrawn from a senate race, the first being in 2007 after a helicopter crash left him with a serious leg injury. Both times, his campaigns were driven by his passion for public service and unwavering dedication to the Filipino people, and both times, health became a priority he could not ignore.

This current campaign — that begun in the fourth quarter of 2024 — saw dozens of sitting congressmen and close to a hundred governors and mayors across the country (many of which came together from opposing political factions) either meet with, promote or fully endorse Singson’s senatorial bid. The endorsements came from the most diverse places — such as from the Malapitan clan in the north, the Mangudadatus in the south, a plethora of celebrity A-listers, and former Presidential aspirant Mayor Isko Moreno.

“I apologize to those who gave their time, energy, and support for this campaign (Humihingi po ako ng paumanhin sa mga nagbigay ng kanilang oras, lakas, at suporta para sa kampanyang ito), continued Singson, recognizing the efforts of those who stood by him.

“My favorite part of the campaign,” explained his daughter Congresswoman Richelle Singson, “Was seeing how much my Dad genuinely cared for people. Everywhere we went, he made sure to connect with everyone, regardless of their position. From greeting officials, chatting with vendors, or staff, he was very generous with his time. He made sure every fan got a picture, every handshake felt sincere, and everyone felt valued. It’s a reminder of how true leadership is about making people feel appreciated.”

The DA intends to run the TRO as “a specialized and dedicated office” to comply with the legal and administrative requirements and enhance its capacity to address trade remedy matters.

Despite stepping away, Chavit emphasized that his work for the public will carried on. “The help I provide to transport groups and the E-jeepney program — that will continue! The assistance I provide through VBank to help the masses gain bank accounts and financial aid — that will also continue!” (Ang tulong na binibigay ko sa transport group, sa E-jeepney — tuloy tuloy po iyon! Ang tulong na binibigay ko dito sa Vbank para magkaroon ng bank account at tulong pinansiyal ang masa—tuloy tuloy pa rin iyon!).

Singson champions electric jeepneys to modernize public transport and reduce carbon emissions. To make the transition affordable, he offers e-jeepneys at one-third of the market price, with no collateral, no down payment, and zero interest. A plant already being built in Batangas will ensure affordable maintenance, easy access to parts, and provide local jobs — making the shift to greener transport practical and community-focused. While he will no longer pursue a Senate seat, the proposals he championed and the work he continues to support remain reflective of his commitment to public service. “My goal in life is simple: to make people happy” (Ang layunin ko sa buhay ay simple lang—ang magpasaya ng tao), he shared.

Upon being asked why he’ll pursue his multiple enterprises meant to help the public in spite of his recent health concerns, Singson simply replied, “May isa akong salita.” (Because I honor my word.)

READ: Chavit Singson withdraws from 2025 senatorial race

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As this marks the end of a remarkable national campaign that saw an 83-year-old man take multiple flights around the Philippines everyday — six to seven days a week — across a 14-week span just to make himself readily visible to hundreds of thousands of Filipinos, Singson’s children and closest friends have expressed their love and said that they support their father’s decision to withdraw.

His doctors have said that Singson is not in any danger and on the road to a full recovery.superace88