The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Mayor Luis Chavit Singson (of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur), who decided not to run for any public office in next month’s elections, predicts a landslide win for former Sen. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. (BBM) after recent survey results still showed a wide lead over Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo, three weeks before the polls.
During today’s (April 18, 2022) Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel media forum at the Manila Hotel and moderated by veteran journalist Jullie Yap-Daza, Singson revealed he originally supported Sen. Manny Pacquiao with whom he had a falling out due to excise taxes on tobacco that Singson claimed benefitted a number of tobacco farmers in the Ilocos region.
Singson switched to supporting BBM whose campaign machinery is much more organized this year than in 2016, he claims.
“I expect BBM to get more than 50% of votes,” Singson said. “Much more than what (Pres.) Duterte got in 2016.”
He chided Pacquiao’s campaign promise to build houses for all Filipino families, saying “that’s impossible to fulfill on a nationwide scale.”
Chavit also revealed being instrumental at convincing Sarah Duterte to run for Vice President after Sara’s early insistence not to vie for any national post. “I relayed to Sara the decision of BBM to slide to VP if Sara decides to run for President. After talking to her, Sara agreed to run for VP under BBM,” Singson said.
In reaction to Easter Sunday’s press conference by three of four presidential candidates who debunked social media rumors they are withdrawing from the race after receiving suggestions supposedly from the camp of Leni Robredo, Singson said any backing out of the race will not benefit Leni.
“Leni’s chances of winning will not increase even if they withdraw,” Singson said.
While staying at the sidelights of national politics, Singson (who is current president of the League of Municipal Mayors of the Philippines) admitted being busy in a number of private business operations (through his LCS Group of Companies), such as construction of telecommunication towers throughout the country, importation of cars from China and South Korea, providing financial assistance and business opportunities to farmers and transport operators in the Ilocos region, among others.
“I am open to supporting viable and worthy business projects not just in the region. Just let me know,” Singson said.
He related providing 22-seater electric commuter vehicles (made from South Korea) to transport operators and drivers without down payment under easy installment plans.
He also recounted bringing in inexpensive China-made vehicles just before the pandemic. When sales drastically dropped due to poor demand at the height of the lockdown, Singson said in jest he sold the vehicles at buy-one, take-one prices.