MANILA — Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson’s name will remain on the official ballots for the 2025 midterm elections despite his withdrawal from the Senate race, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia explained that ballots are already being printed, making changes impossible at this stage. Votes cast for Singson will be considered stray and will not be counted.
“If votes are cast for a candidate who has withdrawn, those votes will be considered stray and will not be tallied,” Garcia said Monday. “We can no longer adjust the ballots as printing has already commenced.”
Singson, citing health concerns, announced his decision to withdraw from the race on Sunday, revealing he is recovering from pneumonia.
“After much thought, I have decided not to continue my candidacy for the Senate,” Singson said during a speech to his supporters. “Campaigning and working as a senator, especially when done seriously, is no joke. I don’t want to risk my health.”
Candidates withdrawing from elections must appear personally before Comelec. Substitutions are not allowed in such cases.
UPDATES ON OTHER ELECTORAL CASES
Meanwhile, Comelec also addressed other electoral controversies, including the cancellation of the candidacy of Romilda Bacale, a supposed challenger to House Speaker Martin Romualdez for Leyte’s first district representative post.
Garcia explained that Bacale was deemed ineligible as her voter registration transfer to Tacloban was denied by both the Election Registration Board (ERB) and the courts.
Bacale remains registered in Sampaloc, Manila, and may vote there instead.
“The Comelec can enforce the court’s decision even without a formal petition,” Garcia noted.
In a separate case, Comelec upheld its decision to disqualify former Albay Governor Noel Rosal from running in the May elections.
Rosal’s candidacy was canceled due to a June 2024 Ombudsman ruling that imposed a penalty of Dismissal from Service, perpetual disqualification from public office, and cancellation of eligibility.
Comelec en banc denied Rosal’s motion for reconsideration, affirming the earlier decision of the Second Division.
Garcia defended the poll body’s efficiency in resolving cases promptly, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring electoral integrity.
“We are criticized if we act slowly and criticized if we act quickly. But the Commission is determined to fulfill its duties without compromising the integrity of the elections,” Garcia said.