Singson camp debunks vote-buying allegations

VIGAN CITY,  Philippines – Supporters of former Vigan City Mayor Ryan Luis Singson who topped the special congressional poll in Ilocos Sur’s first district last Saturday, debunked allegations insinuating that the Singson camp had engaged in vote buying.

“As far as our camp is concerned, there was no need for it (vote-buying),” Jerry Acosta, a campaign leader of Singson, told The STAR.

Acosta said the first district is “full Chavit country,” referring to Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, the newly elected congressman’s father.

Acosta added that the local opposition is divided, with majority of them voting though for the young Singson following the endorsement of Liberal Party (LP)-Ilocos Sur chairman Francisco Ranches.

Earlier, the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) said it received reports of alleged vote buying from their volunteers.

In endorsing the young Singson, Ranches said he was never consulted nor contacted by his partymate Bertrand Baterina, who was the former’s lone opponent, before, during and after the campaign period.

“No word from him, my phone is always open,” he said in Filipino. 

Meanwhile, the new congressman, who took his oath of office before Speaker Feliciano Belmonte last Monday, thanked President Aquino for the LP’s support, through Ranches, to his candidacy. 

“I pledge to support all his (Aquino’s) programs for the progress of our nation and people,” he said.

Sources said the young Singson is poised to join the LP soon.

He succeeded his brother Ronald who resigned from the House after being convicted of drug trafficking by a Hong Kong court last February.