Warned how the rigors of a national political campaign would b4e detrimental to his health, affect his health, 83-year-old former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson decided to withdraw from the 2025 senatorial race.

In an announcement made before his supporters on Sunday night, Singson admitted that he has been hospitalized due to pneumonia.

“Hindi po biro ang kampanya, lalo na ang trabaho ng isang senador, kung talagang magtatrabaho. Ayaw kong ipilit Baka ang aking kalusugan ay maaaring magdusa,” he declared during a meeting with supporters at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Despite his decision, Singson’s name will remain in the official ballot of candidates although his votes will no longer be considered null and declared astray.

“Kung sakali po matulong ang withdrawal, hindi na po namin matatanggal ang name niya sa balota,” said Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia after learning of Singson’s decision.

He advised the former provincial official to file his withdrawal of candidacy at the Comelec office in Intramuros, Manila.

Singson claimed he was still under hospital confinement but decided to leave his bed to make public the decision to give up his candidacy.

“Sa totoo lang, tumakas na lang ako sa ospital dahil ayaw nila ako palabasin. Nagamot nila iyong pneumonia pero kailangan ko raw ng mahabang panahon na pahinga.

Results of a Pulse Asia survey on voters preference that was released on December 24, 2024 showed Singson ranked from No. 22 to 24 among all senatorial candidates.