Former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson formalized his bid for a Senate seat Monday, Oct. 7 after he filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) at The Tent City of Manila Hotel. 

But this early, Singsong said he would pursue his advocacies--which center on the transport and financial sectors--whatever the outcome of the May 2025 elections.

In his media introduction, Singson said in jest that he was running under the banner of "LL", which meant “lakas loob” or strong will. He is in fact running as an independent.

Should he win, Singson say that he will modernize the transport industry by providing electric vehicles (EVs) across the country with zero down payment and zero interest. He also plans to give Filipinos free bank accounts, complete with a debit card.

"Ako ang mag-provide lahat ng (I will provide all the) electric vehicles, electric jeep, tricycles, motorcycles without any downpayment, with zero interest, without guarantee from drivers," he said.

In line with this goal, Singson said he would invest billions of pesos of his own money to manufacture thousands of electric jeepneys and distribute them to drivers throughout Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 

Asked where he would get funds for this costly endeavor,  he told reporters: "Saan ko kukunin? Ako na bahala doon. Sagot ko yun (Where will I get it? I'll take care of that. I'll shoulder it)."

"Di ako baleng malugi, basta para sa masa (I don't mind incurring losses, as long as it's for the masses)," he added.

He said all jeepneys will be built using state-of-the-art Korean technology. This entails that each vehicle will be spacious, air-conditioned, environmentally friendly, as well as gas and fuel-free--all while maintaining the look and feel of the traditional Pinoy jeepney that's been a quintessential part of Filipino culture for decades.

On the subject of financial inclusion, Singson wants to introduce the "Banko ng Masa" for the benefit of millions of Filipinos. 

He said that 77 percent of Filipinos lacked bank accounts and 95 percent had no debit or credit cards.

Singson vowed that, if and when he gets elected, he would see to it that every single Filipino aged 18 and above--regardless of region, gender, religion or socioeconomic demographic--will be given a bank account and debit card. 

He believes that this initiative will be immensely advantageous for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), as remittance fees will be lowered considerably and logistics made simpler. This will ease the financial burden on millions of Filipino families. 

Singson was Ilocos Sur governor for 33 years--from 1972 until 1986, then from 1992 until 2001, and again from 2004 to 2007. His last stint as provincial chief executive was from 2010 until 2013.