2 options eyed for Singson post

MANILA, Philippines - An official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said yesterday there are two options available in the event Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson, who has been convicted of drug trafficking, is unseated in the House of Representatives.

Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said a congressman who comes from the district nearest Singson’s may act as caretaker of his district.

The other is to hold a special election for Singson’s replacement, similar to what the Comelec would be doing in Cagayan, which is set to hold a special election on March 12 to replace Rep. Florencio Vargas Jr. who died in June last year.

“But we need Congress to pass a resolution requesting for a special election in that district ... It’s up to Congress,” he added.

Last week, Hong Kong’s Wan Chai District Court convicted Singson of drug trafficking and sentenced him to 18 months imprisonment.

The court sentenced Singson to one year and six months of jail time on Thursday -- one year and four months for cocaine possession and two months for tablets.

A complaint has been filed against the legislator before the House committee on ethics.

Colleagues of Singson have also urged him to resign from his elective position for the benefit of his constituents.