Singson home after HK jail term

VIGAN CITY ,Philippines  – Former Ilocos Sur congressman Ronald Singson arrived home yesterday from Hong Kong to a warm welcome from his family, relatives, local officials and political supporters.

Before leaving Hong Kong, Ronald, who was released from jail where he served his sentence for drug possession, said, “I will take it slow for now. I will attend to my family and business.”

The chartered plane carrying Ronald and his father, Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, who fetched him in Hong Kong, touched down here around 4:50 p.m.

Flight stewardess Glenda Garcia told The STAR that the plane left Hong Kong at 2:30 p.m. yesterday and had a brief stopover at the Laoag International Airport.

Before Ronald came out of the plane, his mother Evelyn, brothers and sisters Richard, Randy, Gina, Raquel, Rommel and Ilocos Sur Rep. Ryan Luis Singson, went inside the aircraft to spend a few moments with him.

After 10 minutes, the former lawmaker, who looked thin in his black coat, went down the plane followed by his father.

From the airport, Ronald and the welcoming entourage proceeded to the Baluarte residence of his father and a Mass was immediately held at the family chapel.

In his homily, the officiating priest said Ronald’s return coincides with the feast of Sto. Niño that will be celebrated today.

“He (Ronald) came home and I know you are thankful because I’m sure he will be helping many people,” the priest said.

The elder Singson told local radio station dzBB that Ronald was eager to go back to his family.

“He (Ronald) just wants to be back in the arms of his family and to complete some unfinished work he left in Ilocos. Politics is not his priority,” he said.

Ronald’s name was stricken off the House roster last year after being convicted of illegal drug possession by a Hong Kong court.

He was arrested on July 11, 2010 at the Hong Kong International Airport for illegal possession of some 6.7 grams of cocaine. He was later convicted and sentenced to 18 months in prison.

“In a way, something good came out of what happened to him. He was able to think things over. His only regret was he trusted his friends too much. Other than that, everything is okay with him,” the elder Singson said.

But due to good behavior, Ronald was released yesterday, spending only 11 months in prison.

Meanwhile, with the return of Ronald, Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano urged Filipinos to appreciate the way justice is dispensed in other countries.

“In other countries where many crimes also happen, justice is dispensed swiftly. Litigation is fast and punishment is also prompt,” he said.

He added that Filipinos have been witness to the kind of justice system in the Philippines where the rich and the privileged are said to be given preferential treatment. - With Rudy Santos