Chavit declares bid to reclaim Ilocos gubernatorial post

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – The Ilocandia’s acknowledged political kingpin may soon be back to regain his throne.

With elections still about 10 months to go, the Ilocos Sur’s seat of power may just be awaiting the return of its long-time occupant. 

This, as the colorful Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson declared his bid to reclaim the gubernatorial post of the province, which he held for more than two decades, during the inauguration of the 7.3-hectare Rizal shrine in Casat village here Saturday.

This early, political observers concede the governorship of Ilocos Sur, formerly known before Martial Law as the “Wild, Wild East,” to Singson who even now has no serious political rivals.

As everybody in the know about Ilocos Sur politics is aware of, the announcement by Singson, still the acknowledged political kingpin of that Ilocano province, of his return bid would cause Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano and Chavit’s brother, Vice Gov. Jeremias Singson, to revert to seeking the vice governorship and membership in the provincial board.

While confirming his bid to regain the governorship, Singson, however, cautioned the Arroyo administration against postponing next year’s polls to prevent what he said would be “a backlash.”

“I confirm that I am planning to seek my old post as Ilocos Sur governor again. But regardless of whether I am running or not, the elections (should) push through as scheduled,” said Singson, who was in town with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and other guests during the inauguration of the Rizal shrine which was the brainchild of Jordanian-born philanthropist Mahmoud Asfour.

Singson, now deputy National Security adviser, hinted that he was willing to draw the line against the administration if elections are cancelled next year, stressing that this may possibly result in chaos or even lead to President Arroyo’s ouster. 

Chavit’s spilling the beans on former President Joseph Estrada’s involvement in the so-called jueteng-gate scandal had led to his fall from office in 2001.

“There will be chaos (if elections are not held). Let’s have elections first and then talk about Charter change later,” Singson said.