Ilocos Sur holds special election today

Manila, Philippines - A two-way fight is now on for congressman of the first district of Ilocos Sur where a special election is being held today by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

The post was vacated after former congressman Ronald Singson was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for drug trafficking by a Hong Kong court last February.         

Vying as Singson’s replacement are his younger brother and incumbent Vigan City Vice Mayor Ryan Luis Singson and Bertrand Baterina, rival of Singson in the May 2010 congressional race and a nephew of former congressman Salacnib Baterina.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said the poll body is ready to administer the special election among 161,975 registered voters in Ilocos Sur’s first district comprising Vigan City and 10 towns. – Sheila Crisostomo, Teddy Molina