House ethics body eyes 60-day timetable for Singson probe

The House of Representatives' ethics committee expects to finish in 60 days its investigation into the case of Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson, who was arrested in Hong Kong last year for possession of illegal drugs. "If I had my way, the committee can finish it in a maximum of 60 days," Committee chairman Rep. Erico Aumentado said in an interview on dzBB radio. However, Aumentado admitted that it is not possible for the committee to meet daily. He said the first order of business for the committee, whose preliminary hearing was scheduled at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, would be to look into the documents it requested from the Department of Foreign Affairs. The documents aim to give lawmakers a clearer picture of the circumstances leading to Singson's arrest in July last year over drug trafficking charges. Singson earlier pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in Hong Kong, prompting lawyer Fernando Perito to file a complaint against him before the ethics body. The lawmaker was caught carrying 0.24 ounces (6.67 grams) of cocaine at the southern Chinese city's international airport in July. Drug trafficking carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of HK$5 million ($640,000). Aumentado said the committee will allow Singson's lawyer to attend the hearings because Singson is still in Hong Kong. Aumentado reiterated Singson will get due process and give him the chance to defend himself. "He can be represented by counsel. It's not necessary for him to attend the hearings of the committee, he can be represented by counsel, that's part of due process," he said. – VVP, GMA News