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Chavit says son admitted bringing drugs to HK


Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson on Sunday said his son, Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson (1st District), has admitted that he was in possession of illegal drugs when he was arrested in Hong Kong early this month. He said his son did this for the benefit of his companions. "Hindi nakalabas ngayon, nahirapan, dahil inamin daw niya ang lahat para makaalis ‘yung mga kasamahan niya sa biyahe," the elder Singson said in an interview aired over GMA News' "24 Oras." (He was unable to leave Hong Kong because he reportedly admitted the charges so that the others who were with him during the trip may be allowed to leave.) The younger Singson was arrested on July 11 at the Customs Arrival Hall of Chek Lap Kok International Airport for possession of 26.1 grams of cocaine and two tablets of prescription medication Valium, a depressant used mainly for treating anxiety. Singson apologized for his son, whom he said had not set a good example especially since he himself has been vocal against illegal drugs.


"Humihingi ako uli ng paumanhin sa lahat, lalo na sa aming kababayan, sa pangyayaring iyan. Hindi magandang ehemplo iyan. Magsilbing leksyon sana lahat iyan," he said in the same interview. (I am apologizing to everyone, especially to our province-mates, for what has happened. My son has not been a good example. I hope this serves as a lesson to everyone.) He said his son, who has been having relationship problems with his girlfriend, the actress Lovi Poe, has just fallen victim to drug pushers. "Malungkot ako. Lalo akong galit ngayon sa mga pusher. Nabiktima dahil nga nag-away sila ni Lovi Poe," Singson said. (I am sad. I am all the more enraged with drug pushers. My son became a victim because of a misunderstanding with Lovi Poe.) Lovi Poe is the daughter of the late actor and 2004 presidential aspirant Fernando Poe Jr. Singson said he has yet to talk to his son since his arrest. He said their lawyers are now working on mitigating the charges against his son so that he may be able to return to the country. Singson said his son should be punished in accordance with the law. "Nobody is above the law. Kailangang maparusahan. At least naparusahan na dahil nakakulong (He should be punished. He is being punished right now as he is in jail)," he said. Under Hong Kong laws, possession of dangerous drugs is punishable with a maximum imprisonment of seven years and a maximum fine of HK$1,000,000. Singson said he is planning to visit his son in jail early next month. The Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue a statement on the matter, but said the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong was able to talk to Ronald, according to the “24 Oras" newscast. Singson meanwhile denied that former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is scheduled to fly to Hong Kong Sunday night for her husband's check-up, will visit his son. He said he never asked any government official to assist his son. Singson and Arroyo have been allies since 2000, when Singson’s accusation of corruption led to then President Joseph Estrada’s downfall. - KBK, GMANews.TV
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