Election offense, DQ case filed vs Chavit’s sons

MANILA, Philippines - An election offense case was filed yesterday before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) against the sons of Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson for allegedly engaging in vote-buying.

Charged were incumbent Ilocos Sur Rep. Ryan Singson and former congressman Ronald Singson who are running for governor and congressman, respectively, under the Nacionalista Party. 

The brothers’ disqualification was also sought in a separate petition filed by Tagudin Mayor Roque Verzosa Jr., the official candidate for governor of the Liberal Party (LP). 

Verzosa said Barangay Captain Joan Tabangcura facilitated the money and prizes donated by the Singsons for the “Nalasin Got Talent” contest and raffle draw during the village fiesta last April 21 to 22. 

He said the Omnibus Election Code prohibits a candidate from giving and receiving contributions for partisan political activity.

Verzosa said the donations were primarily given to support the respondents’ candidacies. He said the respondents should be disqualified from the elections.

He said pending the resolution of the petition, the Comelec should suspend the proclamation of any of the respondents in case they win in the elections.