Singson takes oath before Belmonte

VIGAN CITY, Philippines – Not a few consigned Ilocos Sur congressman-elect Ronald Singson to political oblivion after his apprehension at Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok International Airport for drug possession in 2010.

But with his victory in the recent elections, Singson proved his critics wrong.

“This launches my journey to redemption after my resignation in 2010,” Singson said after he took his oath as member of the incoming 16th Congress before Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. recently.

His father Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson had requested the Speaker to swear in the congressman-elect.

He is the first among the congressional winners to be sworn in. The moment signified his eagerness to assume his duties immediately, his supporters said although this has to wait until June 30 when the newly elected officials are mandated to assume office.

Singson was fresh on his second term when the drug possession incident happened. He resigned his post shortly after that. He was replaced by his younger brother, Ryan, who won in a special election to fill up the vacated congressional seat for Ilocos Sur’s first district.

His triumph was not a walk in the park though. He had to campaign harder than before. He had to hurdle grave issues thrown his way by his rival, lawyer Trandy Baterina, of the Liberal Party. 

The Baterina camp’s first salvo was expected. It exploited his Hong Kong arrest and conviction for drug possession. This was followed by accusations of vote-buying. The battering increased as the election day approached. 

The opposition filed disqualification cases against Ronald and  Ryan, who ran and won as governor, and re-elected Vice Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano.

In the end, the electorate decided in Ronald’s and his parymates’ favor. After his proclamation by the provincial board of canvassers, the congressman-elect thanked his supporters for their help.

Ronald said he is dedicating his victory to his daughter Samantha, his family, and the people of Ilocos Sur.

He intends to follow through his priority bill on the declaration of a free port zone in Port Salomague in Cabugao town, once session starts in July. He said the free port would generate employment and hasten economic growth in the province. 

Among the bills of national scope that he authored were the hybrid automotive act providing incentives for hybrid vehicle manufacturers and the so-called “yaya” legislation for household workers, which he initiated before his resignation.

Singson said he is currently preparing drafts of both local and national bills he set to file in July. He was the first House member to file measures in the 15th Congress. If he is eyeing for that record again, he would not say.