Rep. Singson set to plead guilty to drug offense in HK next year

Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson is expected to plead guilty to a drug offense in Hong Kong in January. It was not yet clear, however, if it will be for drug trafficking or drug possession. During a hearing Friday morning, lawyer John Reading, Singson's counsel, told the District Court in Wan Chai, Hong Kong that his client gave indication of pleading guilty to drug trafficking. Judge Stanley Chan then said that since it was just an indication, it can still change. The matter is expected to be settled at the next hearing, which was set on January 26. On that date, Singson's camp is expected to present documents that will show that the illegal drugs seized from the lawmaker were for personal use. The Ilocos Sur representative was arrested upon arrival at the Chek Lap Kok International Airport on July 11, when he was allegedly found to possess 26.1 grams of cocaine and two tablets of diazepam, commonly known as Valium. Singson was charged with trafficking of dangerous drugs at the Tsuen Wan Magistracy's Courts, pursuant to the Hong Kong Dangerous Drug Ordinance. Minus the bottle, Hong Kong authorities said the actual weight of cocaine that Ronald was allegedly carrying at the airport was 6.7 grams. 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. On the other hand, the more serious offense of drug trafficking carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a maximum fine of HK$5,000,000. However, in an interview with GMANews.TV, Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson said that his son Ronald pleaded guilty to possession of illegal drugs. He said his son had no choice but to admit the crime because the cocaine was found in the latter's possession. He insisted that his son was framed. “Na-pass sa kanya (yung illegal drugs) e, so nakita sa kanya. Na-set up siya. No choice siya, he had to admit (to possession of the drugs)," he said. (The illegal drugs were passed to him and were found in his possession. He was set up. He had no choice, he had to admit to possession of the drugs.) The elder Singson further said that the court retained his son's bail. He believed this was a sign that the case against his son was not that serious. “Ang magandang nangyari e hindi tinanggal yung bail. Kabadong kabado kami kanina umaga na baka tanggalin yung bail e. Nakahinga na kami ng maluwag ngayon ibig sabihin magaan yung kaso," the governor said. Singson said he was able to talk to his son before the hearing. “Kinakabahan siya baka mag-New Year siya sa kulungan," he said. The governor said his son was accompanied by a lawyer and friend Derrick Wong, who served as Singson’s guarantor, during the arraignment. Also present was Ronald's rumored girlfriend, Lovi Poe. The Hong Kong court earlier allowed Singson to post a HK $ 2 million (more than P11 million) bail. Despite his temporary freedom, Ronald had to stay in Hong Kong throughout the course of the trial and cannot return to the Philippines yet. He stayed with Wong. The lawmaker was required to report daily to the North Park Police Station. The court also ordered him to surrender to authorities all his travel documents. Ronald had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges. He also declined the offer of assistance from the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, but the Department of Foreign Affairs still said it will ensure that Singson’s rights are respected. — TJD, GMANews.TV