Former Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Mayor and Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson on Tuesday shrugged off allegations of plunder and graft filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan, Singson called the accusations “baseless” and “a reversal of the truth.”
Singson addressed the complaint lodged by Warriors Ti Narvacan, Inc., led by Atty. Estrelita Cordero, accusing him of profiting from an allegedly overpriced land transaction and the misuse of public funds.
In a three-page plunder case, Singson, along with former Vice Mayor Pablito Sanidad Sr. and 11 other former officials of Narvacan, were accused of involvement in the purchase of nearly 10 hectares of allegedly overpriced land owned by Western Textile Mills, Inc.
However, the former mayor dismissed the charges as malicious, asserting that he, in fact, suffered losses amounting to ₱680 million due to his efforts to help the municipality.
“Kung lahat ng sasabihin nilang paninira sa akin, may katotohanan magpapakulong ako. Kung totoo ‘yan,” Singson said.
“Now ‘yang finile na plunder papafilan na namin yan ng disbarment dahil hindi totoo, binaliktad ang katotohanan bawal ‘yun?,” he added.
Singson clarified that the land in question was sold for ₱120 million, not overpriced as claimed, and that the municipality itself earned from the transaction. He also stressed that he did not register the property under his name and that it was paid directly to the rightful owner.
“Binigay ko sa munisipyo hindi ko nilagay sa pangalan ko, idineretso ko na sa may-ari binayaran ko na…Lugi ako,” he emphasized.
Singson alleged that Atty. Cordero, the complainant, is an “extortionist” and a relative of his former political rival in Narvacan. He claimed that Cordero had repeatedly demanded money from him and filed the case as an act of retaliation when he refused her latest request.
“Mag-fafile kami ng kaso gayon ng disbarment. Bawal ‘yan sa isang abogado na magsinungaling, maski tao bawal ‘yan. Mahirap sa atin kasi maraming nagsisinungaling kaya sigurado ‘yan fafilan namin ng disbarment,” he said.
The former governor maintained that the property title remains under the name of the Municipality of Narvacan, further disproving any claim of personal gain.
“Tawa ng tawa [si Cordero] kahapon pagtatawanan ko bandang huli ‘yan,” he stated.
Singson reiterated that there is “absolutely no truth” to the accusations, calling the plunder and graft cases politically motivated and meant to tarnish his reputation.
“Nakatawa na ako habang sinisiraan nila ako. Akala nila nakajackpot na sila because nakasuhan na raw ako, iisyuhan ako ng warrant of arrest,” he said.
