Ilocos Sur Representative Ronald V. Singson pleaded guilty to illegal drug trafficking in Hong Kong Monday January 31, 2011.
The 42 year old law-making-body-member is the son of Governor Luis Chavit Singson in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines.
Representative Ronald Singson caught carrying 6.67 grams cocaine in his position worth about $2,000 July last year upon arrival in Hong Kong International Airport. The act of carrying illegal drug in the country is cl(–foul word(s) removed–)ified as trafficking with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and fine of HK$ 5 million (US$640,000 or equivalent to P28 million).
Ilocos Sur Representative was not sentenced immediately in Hong Kong Court in anticipation of testimony whether the drug is for personal use or commercial purposes the reason to determine the length of sentence.
“He has no intention of commercial drug trafficking” said John Reading Singson’s lawyer.
In Hong Kong court the second term Representative Ronald Singson admitted that he frequently used cocaine consuming large amount between 4-5 grams daily since 2004.
He took drugs because he is suffering depression from political and business pressure as well as relationship problem, said Singson.
The very big mistake he did is to ruin his name and reputation, putting his family in disgrace and giving pain to his girlfriend, Singson said.
He also apologize the people of Hong Kong asking a favor from the heart, a sentence with leniency, he said.
To confess being a drug user is enough ground to expel him from the House of Representative, said Zambales Representative and Deputy Minority Leader Milagros Magsaysay.
Delicadeza and moral values should vanguard when one is a public servant, added Magsaysay
Akbayan Pary-List Representative Walden Bello said “this is a blot on the reputation of the House”. Singson should resign, he added.