Singson entered HK using regular passport, DFA clarifies

Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson entered Hong Kong, where he is currently detained on alleged possession of illegal drugs, using only a regular passport and not an official or diplomatic passport contrary to earlier reports, the Department of Foreign Affairs clarified Wednesday. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Monday that Singson was using a diplomatic passport when he was arrested on July 11 at the Hong Kong International Airport. The Hong Kong police, however, reported to the DFA that Singson entered the Chinese special administrative region with only a regular passport and thus does not have diplomatic immunity. "Na-establish namin na si Singson, noong pumasok sa Hong Kong, ay gumagamit ng regular passport katulad ng passport na ginagamit ng karamihan sa ating kababayan. Hindi red o official passport, hindi blue o diplomatic passport" DFA spokesperson Eduardo Malaya said in GMA-7’s “24 Oras" newscast.
(We have established that when he entered Hong Kong, Singson was using only a regular passport, just like the ones being used by many of us. It was not a red or official passport, and not a blue or diplomatic passport.) Singson was arrested on July 11 for allegedly possessing 26.1 grams of cocaine and two tablets of prescription medication Valium, a depressant used mainly for treating anxiety. The seized drugs are now being analyzed at a Hong Kong chemical lab according to the report, to determine whether Singson is to be charged with drug possession or drug trafficking. The tests may take six to eight weeks, the report added. “Allegedly, the illegal drugs were inside his hand-carry luggage and in his pants," Malaya explained. Singson is scheduled to appear before the district court on August 19, where he can plead guilty to the charge, leading to an expected immediate judgment and issuance of sentence. If he pleads not guilty, he will have to attend a series of court hearing which may take from six to eight months. Malaya likewise clarified that Singson’s private counsel has yet to file a motion for bail. The DFA earlier said it will ensure that Singson’s rights will be respected, even as the lawmaker decline the offer of assistance from the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong. (See: DFA: Chavit's son declined help offer in drug case) In the same report, Hong Kong-based Filipina lawyer explained Singson may go directly to the High Court and offer bail, which could range anywhere between HK$1 million to HK$5 million (about P5.9-29.5 million). She added, however, that there is a low possibility that the bail will be granted as Singson was a tourist with no family based in Hong Kong, and has no economic ties with the administrative region. “It's possible. It's a long shot, though. But don’t forget he is a congressman. If they can leverage on that, why not?" said lawyer Ody Lai. Deputy House Speaker Lorenzo Tañada III earlier said Singson remains a member of the House of Representatives, since a formal complaint will have to be filed against him first before the House could decide on his status. (See: Detained Singson still a House member) Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. likewise said in the GMA-7 newscast that the House committee on ethics, which hears complaints against members of the chamber, has yet to be formed. “Let us give Congressman Singson the benefit of the doubt," Belmonte 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. Drug trafficking, on the other hand, carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a maximum fine of HK$5,000,000.—Jerrie M. Abella/JV, GMANews.TV