De Lima orders BI probe of Singson's drug case

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has asked Undersecretary Jose Salazar, concurrent officer-in-charge of the Bureau of Immigration, to find out how Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson was able to leave the Philippines with illegal drugs in his possession. At a news briefing on Thursday, De Lima questioned how Singson managed to slip past Philippine airport authorities supposedly carrying narcotics. “I told Usec. Salazar to order an investigation. Bakit may nakalusot [sa airport]?" said De Lima, adding that there may be a need to revamp the BI leadership as well as key Ninoy Aquino International Airport personnel in order to strictly enforce measures. Singson, son of Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit" Singson, was arrested last July 11 at the Hong Kong International Airport for allegedly carrying 26.1 grams of cocaine and two tablets of prescription medication Valium, a depressant used mainly for treating anxiety. He was then charged with trafficking in dangerous drugs pursuant to the Hong Kong’s Dangerous Drug Ordinance at the Tsuen Wan Magistracy's Courts. The younger Singson is set to face the Tsuen Wan court on August 19. He had reportedly entered a not guilty plea. - Sophia Regina Dedace/KBK, GMANews.TV