Chavit hits 'selective' Congress probe of son

MANILA, Philippines - Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson bewailed yesterday the plan of the House ethics committee to investigate his son Rep. Ronald Singson who is facing drug charges in Hong Kong.

News reports yesterday said Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. had given the go-signal for the ethics committee to proceed with Congressman Singson’s investigation.

The governor, who is out of the country, lamented to The STAR in a phone interview that Congress has time to look into his son’s case while its legislative counterpart, the Senate, has not lifted a finger against Sen. Panfilo Lacson who is wanted for twin murders.

“May pinipili ba sila (Are they selective)?” he asked.

The elder Singson, who made history for his role in unseating former President Joseph Estrada, is a close ally of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. 

He clarified that his son was not pleading guilty to drug trafficking in Hong Kong but to a lesser offense.

“The pleading is for drug possession,” the governor said.

The Ilocos Sur first district congressman is set to plead guilty to drug possession, according to his lawyer in Hong Kong.

The case is set for hearing on Jan. 26.

Because of the admission of guilt, even to a lesser offense, some quarters have called for Singson’s expulsion from the House.