Chavit wages newsreel war vs Erap

Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson has released initial copies of a documentary wherein he personally refutes point-by-point issues raised against him by former President Joseph Estrada in the latter’s controversial documentary, "Ang Mabuhay Para sa Masa."

Singson, in his 25-minute documentary entitled "Katibayan at Katunayan," recounts events that led to his defection from Estrada’s camp and his exposé on the alleged anomalies committed by the former president.

Singson’s exposé led to Estrada’s impeachment trial and ouster, and is now being used as basis for the plunder case pending with the Sandiganbayan for resolution.

"I am the one talking here," Singson told reporters during a press briefing at the Rembrandt hotel in Quezon City Wednesday night.

Estrada’s documentary, given an X-rating by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), begins with his childhood, his movie career and then his rise to the presidency, his aborted impeachment and ends with his alleged illegal removal from office.

Singson’s documentary, however, dates back to 1844 when his great-great-grandfather Don Leon was appointed as gobernadorcillo of Ilocos Sur, then follows his father’s stint in politics and his own political career.

He said the Singsons have traditionally been the political leaders in the province.

Singson said their clan belonged to the old rich in the Ilocos region, owning vast tracts of land planted to tobacco.

In his documentary, which is in compact disc format, Singson admits that for 30 years, Estrada was his close friend and gambling buddy until they parted ways when the former president allegedly ordered his killing.

He said the controversial P300-million "Baluarte resort" that also housed a self-sustaining zoo was part of his winnings from gambling bouts with Estrada and his so-called "midnight Cabinet."

Singson noted that four of the rooms in his villa have been named after his gambling buddies: Mark Jimenez, Estrada, Ramon Lee and Manoling Sanchez.

"I never hid my wealth," he said.

In the same documentary, Singson repeats his allegations that Estrada was behind the high-profile killings of publicist Bubby Dacer and Edgar Bentain.

Portions of Singson’s documentary also cites the gains made by the government during the term of President Arroyo that were not highlighted in the media.