BACOLOD CITY – The welfare of Filipino athletes will be a top priority for former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson if he is elected senator in the midterm elections in May next year.
Singson, alongside his daughter, Representative Rachelle Singson of the Ako Ilokano Ako Partylist, visited Bacolod City over the weekend.
During their visit, the Singsons held a press conference and met with mayors, vice mayors, and councilors of Negros Occidental at a dinner hosted by philanthropist Jerry Sy.
Singson emphasized that Filipino athletes hold a special place in his heart, especially those who work tirelessly to bring pride and honor to the country on the global stage.
“The government should always support our athletes,” Singson said.
Known for his generosity, Singson has often opened his own wallet to ensure Filipino athletes receive the support they need.
Singson previously served as the president of the Philippine National Shooting Association and is a longtime friend of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, dating back to before Pacquiao became an eight-division world champion.
A respected benefactor of Philippine sports, Singson has recently been helping former Olympian Charly Suarez launch his professional boxing career.
Singson also shared with local media his offer of PHP 5 million to double-gold Olympic medalist Carlos Yulo, encouraging him to reconcile with his family, particularly his mother.
Singson said Yulo’s emissary expressed interest in accepting the PHP 5 million, but Singson insisted the money would only be given if Yulo reconciled with his family.
“He can only get it if he reconciles with his family. There is no timeline. We Filipinos are family-oriented, and we must uphold that,” Singson said.
He added that he plans to give Yulo’s family PHP 1 million.
“I will help Caloy repair his relationship with his family. I’ll give him PHP 5 million to make peace with them, and his family will receive PHP 1 million to resolve their differences with Caloy,” Singson said.
Singson also told reporters that he is running as an independent candidate because both President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte are his friends. He actively campaigned for both in the last election.
He said he cannot take sides and will not advise either of them, as they are currently at odds with each other, because he is a private citizen.
“When I’m a senator, I will advise them,” he added.