A FARMERS’ group from Ilocos Sur — Warriors Ti Ilocos Sur, Inc. — has taken a significant step towards accountability by filing criminal complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against former Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, his son Ryan Luis Singson, and his brother, incumbent Governor Jerry Singson.
The group, along with several other officials, faces allegations of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) and related laws, marking a pivotal moment in the province’s political landscape. The legal action was accompanied by a public protest in Narvacan, symbolizing a unified demand for justice.
At the heart of the complaint is the alleged diversion of public funds, intended for critical development projects, infrastructure, livelihoods, and farmer support, to low-impact or questionable expenditures.
The group asserts that major projects have faced delays, abandonment, or repurposing for political gain. A central piece of evidence cited is the unfinished Tobacco Farmers Convention Center, which the farmers’ group describes as a symbol of deeply entrenched corrupt practices and impunity within the provincial administration.
This alleged misuse of funds directly impacts the well-being and progress of the Ilocano people, particularly the farmers who form the backbone of the local economy.
Atty. Estelita Cordero, legal counsel for Warriors Ti Ilocos Sur, Inc., declared that the Singson clan’s “dynastic self-serving rule in Ilocos Sur is now at its dead end,” asserting that “jail time awaits the clan for their past activities that only enrich themselves, not the Ilocanos, particularly the farmers.”
She emphasized that the Singson clan has treated governance in Ilocos Sur as a “family enterprise” for decades, but this action marks a turning point.
Cordero stated, “Public office is a public trust, and we are enforcing that trust,” emphasizing the shift from fear and silence to organized action and accountability. The farmers, during their rally, referred to the Singsons as “Askals” (stray dogs) that should be “impounded,” equating their alleged actions to “Antakaw Sa Kaban ng Lalawigan” (a drain on the province’s coffers).
The complaints are backed by sworn statements, audit results, and financial documents that show clear favoritism, bad intentions, and serious carelessness in how public funds were used, all of which break the law. Atty. Cordero highlighted that “people who were once afraid are now organized.
Those who were ignored are now on record. This is how accountability begins.” Warriors Ti Ilocos Sur, Inc. stressed that this case sends a broader message: “No dynasty is permanent. No position is untouchable. When public funds are abused, the people will act—within the law, and with resolve.”
The group has urged the Office of the Ombudsman to act swiftly and decisively, with Atty. Cordero issued a pointed challenge: “The evidence is in. The law is clear. What remains is political will. Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done.”
