By Tracy Cabrera
FORMER Ilocos Sur Governor Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson has strongly dismissed the allegations of malversation, graft and plunder filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman as “baseless complaints” and “political harassment” orchestrated by his rivals.
The former governor described the charges—which alleged his misappropriation of public funds regarding property purchases and construction projects—as a “fake complaint” intended to silence him after he exposed corruption at higher levels in the government.
In an interview, Singson bravely stated that he is willing to go to jail if any of the accusations against him are proven true.
He questioned the credibility of the complainant, Warriors Ti Narvacan, and claimed the legal action is a diversion from actual corruption in the flood control projects, which include those in his province and even Ilocos Norte, which he found out were contracted to the controversial couple, Pacifico ‘Curlee’ Discaya and Cezara.
Represented by lawyer Estelita Cordero, Warriors Ti Ilocos Sur Inc. filed the criminal and administrative complaints against Singson at the Ombudsman’s central office in Quezon City. Also charged with him are his son, ex-governor Ryan Luis Singson, and his younger brother, incumbent Gov. Jeremias Singson.
Also named as respondents in the complaint were former and current members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan that include Pablito Sanidad Jr., Joselle Gironella, Gina Cordero, Mildred Elaydo, Benjamin Maggay, Leopoldo Gironella Jr., Mikaela Karita Singson-Bautista, Constante Oandasan, Ronnie Rapanut, Efren Rafanan Sr., Francisco Arturo Ranches III and Art Constantine Oandasan.
Reacting to the charges, Singson has in turn accused the current Marcos administration of mismanagement and has called for a “peaceful revolution” or for corrupt officials to resign, even breaking ties with the Marcos family.
However, he emphasized that he and his co-accused will comply with the legal process and submit records to the Ombudsman to clear his name.
