Two SISA members resign

VIGAN CITY — Two main pillars of a much-publicized oppositionist group here have resigned from their movement raising fears that it is headed for disintegration.

Save Ilocos Sur Alliance (SISA) founding president Nestor Segismundo and co-organizer Araial Ilustre cited SISA’s alleged affiliation with former President Estrada’s Partido ng Masang Pilipino as reason for their resignation.

"I can’t with a clear conscience now claim and tell our people that we, as a group are not receiving financial support from Erap when you as chairman is continuously meeting with the Erap group that everytime there is an activity of SISA, there is a meeting between you and that group (Erap’s)," Segismundo said in his resignation letter to SISA chairman Estelita Cordero.

Segismundo’s claim virtually confirmed former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singon’s earlier accusation that SISA is being bankrolled by the former president.

The group had filed graft charges against Singson at the Ombudsman most of which were dismissed.

"I’ve been telling that all along. Now the cat is out of the bag," Singson said yesterday.

"SISA is fronting for Erap and their objective is to destroy my credibility as main witness in Erap’s plunder case at the Sandiganbayan," Singson said. — Teddy Molina