Chavit says planned ethics probe vs Ronald premature, unfair

VIGAN CITY, Philippines  – Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson bewailed yesterday a move in the House of Representatives to subject his son Rep. Ronald Singson to an ethics investigation, saying the action is unfair and premature.

Reports showed that some congressmen had expressed eagerness to file a complaint against Ronald in the House Ethics committee.

“That’s unfair. In the first place, the case is still pending, there is no verdict yet,” the governor said, reiterating that Ronald was “set up” at the Hong Kong airport.

He said his camp is investigating the incident, which he claimed could have been instigated by political or business rivals of his son or those “jealous” of him.

Singson expressed the view that those making noises against his son might have something to do with “Ronald’s set-up.”

He said airport authorities singled out Ronald when he arrived in Hong Kong while they did not bother his companions at all.

Now on his second term as Ilocos Sur’s first district congressman, Ronald is reportedly in close touch with his constituents even in detention through his mobile phone.

At 40 and a bachelor, his rise in politics and business is considered by many as phenomenal. He first served as provincial board member and began his congressional stint in 2004. Although a neophyte, he was active in the filing of bills, among which was a proposal to create a scholarship fund for yayas and other household help.

The program calls for free education for household help from high school to college.

The bill passed the House but was not acted on by the Senate.

In business, he owns and operates Channel V, a cable TV entertainment channel that produces local musical concerts involving international singers.

His love life, with alleged past and present relations with female movie stars, has also been fodder for the tabloids.

His supporters asked that the artists’ names be withheld but Lovie Poe appears to be Ronald’s current girlfriend, reports said.