Singson mulls resignation

HONG KONG – Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson is “considering resignation” as the House ethics committee started discussions on his possible removal from the legislators’ roster.

Before the resumption of the hearing yesterday, Singson, however, told reporters that he is still appealing to his fellow lawmakers to wait for the outcome of his trial before making any judgment.

The Wan Chai District Court is set to hand down its sentence on the embattled legislator who earlier pleaded guilty to trafficking 6.67 grams of cocaine.

Yesterday’s hearing focused on the prosecution witness’ argument that Singson was unlikely to consume the 14.8 grams of drug powder with 6.67 grams cocaine purity, in only three days.

Dr. Lam Ming claimed it was unlikely for a person to consume four grams of cocaine in a day through snorting. He said only two grams of cocaine can be consumed through snorting within 24 hours.

He also said the drug’s maximum effect could only be felt by the user after an hour and a half, so it is unlikely that the user could add more dosage within the period.

Three defense witnesses earlier testified that Singson could have used four grams of the illegal drug for a day. Singson’s defense lawyer John Reading argued that this would make it possible for Singson to personally consume 14.8 grams during his three days’ stay in Hong Kong.

Main defense witness Dr. Wayne Moran said Singson has admitted to taking cocaine since 2004. He said Singson has already built tolerance to the drug because of continuous use.

Moran added that even if Singson withdrew from his cocaine binge years back, he still has the same tolerance level. Singson pleaded guilty last Jan. 31 to drug trafficking, but said the 6.67 grams of cocaine found in his possession were for personal use.

His lawyer has been arguing several mitigating factors in favor of Singson in a bid to lower his likely sentence of three years’ imprisonment.

Reading said the admission of drug use for personal consumption, remorse, and Singson’s stature as legislator and businessman could be considered as mitigating factors. 

Singson admitted that he started using the drug heavily following a spat with his girlfriend, actress Lovi Poe. He said he became depressed after a breakup with Poe, making him seek solace in cocaine.

He also said becoming depressed having lost HK$2 million in his company-produced concert last July 9.

Singson was apprehended last July 11 at the customs arrival hall of the Hong Kong International Airport for trafficking in 14.8 grams of powder containing 6.67 grams of cocaine, and two tablets of nitrazepam.

Meantime, a party-list congressman called yesterday for the dropping of the name of Singson from the roster of members of the House of Representatives.

Rep. Pastor Alcover Jr. of the Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy told a news forum that once Singson is sentenced by a Hong Kong court for drug trafficking, possession or use, the House should delist him from its roster.

“Let us cleanse Congress. People might say we are all drug addicts,” he said.

For his part, Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas said the House should await the decision of the Hong Kong court before taking action on his Northern Luzon colleague.

“If he is sentenced to serve more prison time there, then we will have to remove him from our roster. If he is sent back here, we will have to accord him due process,” he said. - With Jess Diaz