No bail for Chavit's son

MANILA, Philippines - A Hong Kong court denied the application for bail of arrested Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson who was nabbed while in possession of cocaine, even as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) gave assurance that his rights under local laws would be respected.

Singson, son of Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, was arrested for alleged drug trafficking last July 11 at the Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok International Airport.

He was charged with trafficking in dangerous drugs pursuant to the Hong Kong’s Dangerous Drug Ordinance at the Tsuen Wan Magistracy’s Courts.

Singson, who represents the first district of his province, appeared in court with a private counsel last July 22 and applied for bail.

Following the courts’ rejection of his application, the hearing of the case was adjourned to Aug. 19 pending receipt of certification from Hong Kong government authorities on findings on the packet of drugs allegedly found in his possession.

Officials of the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong visited Singson in jail yesterday to offer the Consulate’s assistance. 

But Singson declined the Consulate’s offer to assist him at this time.

Singson has retained the services of a private lawyer who is now representing him in court proceedings.

“We will treat Mr. Singson’s case as any other drug-related case involving Filipino nationals in another country. But we will make sure that he has his day in court to defend himself and his right to privacy is respected,” said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Esteban Conejos Jr.

Conejos added that like any other Filipino who is facing charges in court abroad, the DFA would also ensure that his rights under local laws are respected.

GMANews.TV reported that Gov. Singson disclosed last Sunday that Rep. Singson has admitted that he was in possession of illegal drugs when he was arrested in Hong Kong.

He said his son did this for the benefit of his companions.

“Hindi nakalabas ngayon, nahirapan, dahil inamin daw niya ang lahat para makaalis ‘yung mga kasamahan niya sa biyahe (He was unable to leave Hong Kong because he reportedly admitted the charges so that the others who were with him during the trip would be allowed to leave),” the elder Singson said in an interview aired over GMA News’ “24 Oras.”

The younger Singson was arrested for possession of 26.1 grams of cocaine and two tablets of prescription medication Valium, a depressant used mainly for treating anxiety.

Under Hong Kong laws, possession of dangerous drugs is punishable with a maximum imprisonment of seven years and a maximum fine of HK$1,000,000.

Singson said he is planning to visit his son in jail early next month.

He apologized for his son, whom he said had not set a good example, especially since he has been vocal against illegal drugs.

He said his son, who has been having relationship problems with his girlfriend, the actress Lovi Poe, had just fallen victim to drug pushers.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives can’t do much about the detention in Hong Kong of Ilocos Sur Rep. Singson, newly elected Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said last night.

“The only help we can give him is to request that he be treated fairly and with dignity and respect,” he told reporters.

He said if there is a complaint filed against Singson with the House Ethics committee, the Ilocos Sur congressman would be given due process.

Minority Leader Edcel Lagman said the Ethics committee could not investigate Singson if there is no complaint filed against him by a House colleague or a private citizen.

“Even if there is a complaint, the committee should await the proceedings in Hong Kong. What if the charges are dismissed? Then there is no case against him,” he said.

San Juan Rep. Joseph Victor Ejercito said he could not file a case against the son of Ilocos Sur Gov. Singson with the Ethics panel as such a move could be given political color.

“Remember that it was Gov. Singson who testified against my father, President Erap (Estrada),” he said.

For this part, Rep. Teddy Casiño of the party-list group Bayan Muna said the House would be put in a bind if Hong Kong authorities convict the Ilocos Sur congressman.

“Then the Ethics committee and the entire House would have to act,” he said.

Ironically, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Ilocos regional director Roberto Opena had cleared Rep. Singson of any involvement in drug trafficking.

“He (Rep. Singson) is not in the Order of Battle (of PDEA),” Opena said.

The PDEA maintains a long list called the “Order of Battle” on persons suspected of being drug users, pushers and members of big-time drug syndicates.

Opena, however, disclosed that there was “raw information” before about Rep. Singson’s drug use, but when validated, “it turned out to be negative.”

He said that sometimes the “drug tag” is being used to destroy political rivals. – With Jess Diaz, Artemio Dumlao