Singson ready to answer disqualification case

VIGAN CITY, Philippines – Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson yesterday said his lawyers were ready to defend the legitimacy of his candidacy, which is being questioned by a political rival before the Supreme Court.

Singson said his counsels would submit their comments on the disqualification case filed against him by his opponent in the congressional race, Bertrand Baterina, as soon as they would receive the notice from the high court.

The lawmaker sought to clarify a report that came out on Thursday’s issue of The STAR quoting him as saying that he welcomed Baterina’s move.

“I deny having said that,” he said, adding he was also misquoted when he was reported to have said that it is sweeter to become a congressman by winning in an election rather than by having the proclaimed winner disqualified.

In a petition, Baterina asked the SC to disqualify Singson’s candidacy citing his conviction for drug possession in Hong Kong three years ago.

Baterina asked the high court to declare him the winner, claiming he was the “lone qualified candidate” for the first district’s congressional post.

“He should first win in an election and have the support of the people which he has neither,” Singson said in reaction to the petition.

He said Baterina did not even campaign during the elections and relied only on an opponent’s possible disqualification.