Former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson in this file photo from September 15, 2020. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA (UPDATED) -- Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson announced on Sunday that has decided to withdraw from the Senate race after surviving a bout against pneumonia.

In a speech before his supporters, Singson said he need to stay healthy to be able to serve the public.

"Mga kaibigan, mahalaga ng maayos ang kalusugan para magpatuloy ako sa pagtulong at magbigay ng saya sa inyong lahat," said Singson in his speech that was streamed live on his social media pages.

"Kaya matapos ang mahabang pag-iisip, nag-desisyon ko po, hindi na ako tutuloy sa aking kandidatura sa Senado."

The 83-year-old politician said he might not be able to handle the rigors of the political campaign, given his age.

He also said he was recently confined due to pneumonia. 

"Hindi po biro ang kampanya, lalo na ang trabaho ang isang senador, kung talagang magtatrabaho. Ayaw kong ipilit. Ang aking kalusugan ay maaring magdusa," said Singson. 

"Sa totoo lang, tumakas na lang ako sa ospital dahil ayaw nila akong palabasin. Bagamat nagamot nila ang pneumonia, kailangan ko raw ng mahabang panahon ng pahinga."

Singson said he still wants to serve the public in a different capacity. But first, he needs to be healthy.

"Kaya minabuti kong unahin ko muna ang aking pagpapalakas, upang mas lalo pa akong makatulong at makapaglingkod sa inyong lahat," he said.

Singson also asked for understanding from all the people who backed him up to run for senator.

“Humihingi po ako ng tawad sa mga nagbigay ng oras, lakas at suporta para sa kampanya,” Singson said. 

Even if Singson's poll withdrawal pushes through, his name can no longer be removed from the ballot and the votes he may get will be declared as "stray", the Commission on Elections said. -- with a report from Christopher Sitson, ABS-CBN News